Mental Health in the News

Men are far more likely to have the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) in their mouths than women, the Daily Mail has reported. The Mail has outlined research into the prevalence of HPV, which is a risk factor mouth cancer and other cancers. Researchers found that HPV was more commonly found in people who engaged in all kinds of sexual activity - including vaginal, anal and oral. The Mail reports that the researchers suggest that HPV vaccination for men needs investigating to see whether it could help stop oral HPV and, potentially, oral cancer.

A "sunny break may be alternative to IVF," the Daily Mail has reported. The newspaper said that sunlight can increase levels of vitamin D, which balances sex hormones in women and improves sperm count in men. It added that a study found some couples "may be undergoing unnecessary and costly fertility treatment when spending time in the sun could be the answer".

"Signs of autism can be detected in six-month-old babies by measuring brain activity," the Daily Mail has reported. While the Mail was correct, the research has not yet proved to be a perfect diagnostic test.

'More than a million cancer carers may be missing out on vital support,' the Daily Mirror and other newspapers have reported today. The news reports are based on a survey carried out for Macmillan Cancer Support, which identified that among 386 people who provided five or more hours of care a week to someone with cancer, around half had no support of any kind.

There are more than 1 million carers of people with cancer in the UK, and more than 6 million carers of all kinds. The report detailed the impact of the apparent lack of support on carers' mental health, relationships and finances, finding that just 5% say they have received a local authority carer's assessment, which enables them to access practical, emotional and financial support.

Women concerned about French-made PIP breast implants can find all the latest NHS information about the issue on this page.