Human papillomavirus (HPV) was sensationally brought to the public’s attention when actor Michael Douglas told a reporter in 2013 that his throat cancer was due to HPV contracted through cunnilingus. Since that time, there have been developments in the knowledge and treatment of HPV.
In this Real Men’s Health article, we will review HPV and understand why vaccinating our sons (and daughters) is a key generational men’s health issue.
What is HPV?
HPV is a collective group of more than 200 related viruses, and the most common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally.
Approximately 85-90% of all sexually active people will contract HPV or around four in five Australians will get HPV at some point in their lives.
Usually, HPV exhibits no symptoms and will go away by itself. There are occasions when HPV can result in cancer.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is spread through intimate genital skin contact (oral, vaginal, anal sex or by sharing sex toys).
Condoms do not offer complete barrier protection, as condoms do not cover all of the skin in the genital region.
HPV and cancer
As discussed earlier, there are over 200 strains or types of HPV. Some of these strains are considered ‘low-risk’ whilst others are deemed ‘high-risk’.
Low risk- responsible for conditions such as genital warts and do not cause cancer.
High risk- can lead to cancer in some circumstances.
HPV is known to be responsible for:
- 50% of penile cancers
- 60% of oropharyngeal cancers (cancer of the throat, tongue and tonsils)
- 90% of anal cancers
- Genital warts in most cases
- As well as vaginal, vulvar and cervical cancers in women.
Understanding HPV symptoms in men
Genital warts: these are small bumps that can appear on the penis, scrotum, anus, or groin. They might be flat or raised, and sometimes they look like cauliflower. While they don’t usually hurt, they can be unsightly and cause discomfort.
HPV-related cancers: Symptoms might include unusual growths, persistent sore throat, or changes in bowel habits.
Why HPV vaccination is important for men
Preventing cancer: men can significantly reduce their risk of developing HPV-related cancers. This is especially important because these cancers can be difficult to detect early.
Protecting partners: vaccination helps prevent the spread of HPV to sexual partners, reducing the overall prevalence of the virus and protecting public health.
Common misconceptions
HPV is not just a women’s issue: while HPV is often associated with cervical cancer (cancer in the womb) in women, it also poses significant health risks for men.
HPV can be asymptomatic: many people with HPV do not show any symptoms, which means they can unknowingly spread the virus.
This is why it is so important to have the vaccine
What is the HPV vaccine (Gardasil)?
The HPV vaccine Gardasil 9 provides protection against 9 HPV strains, including the seven types which cause the most HPV related cancers.
Gardasil 9 was first developed by Australian researchers at the University of Queensland. In 2007 Australia was the first country in the world to rollout a national HPV vaccination program.
In 2013, the HPV program was extended to include teenage boys.
The Impact of Gardasil 9 vaccination
From the Cancer Council of NSW website: ‘Just to give you an idea of the impact the vaccine has had – in the first four to five years after the program started, we observed a 77 per cent decrease in the number of 18-24-year-old women with HPV (for the HPV types covered by the vaccine).
Precancerous abnormalities also decreased – by 34 per cent in 20–24-year-olds, which means they will be at a much lower lifetime risk of ever developing cervical cancer.
There was also a marked decline in anogenital warts in women in their early 20s, and a decline in the rates of genital warts in young heterosexual men, even before they were included in the vaccination program’.
Who should have HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended and available for all Australian’s aged 9-25 years. It’s most effective when given before any exposure to the virus, which is why it’s typically administered to young people. For most people, a single dose of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil®9) is sufficient. However, those with significant immunocompromising conditions may require a three-dose schedule.
HPV vaccination is offered free to all Australian children aged 12-13 years through the Secondary School Immunisation Program. If you missed the school program, you could get vaccinated at local council immunisation services, your GP, or some pharmacies.
To find out more about the Australian Governments HPV vaccination program, and if you qualify for HPV vaccination outside of school-age parameters, click here
Expert Opinion: Kendall Gow (Urology Nurse Practitioner/CDE)
HPV is a significant public health issue that affects both men and women. The high prevalence of HPV and its potential to cause various cancers, including penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers in men, highlights the importance of vaccination. The Gardasil 9 vaccine has proven to be highly effective in reducing the incidence of HPV-related diseases, making it a crucial tool in cancer prevention.
The inclusion of boys in the HPV vaccination program is a critical step towards achieving herd immunity and reducing the overall burden of HPV-related cancers. By vaccinating boys, we not only protect them but also contribute to the broader public health goal of reducing HPV transmission and its associated cancers in the population.
Increasing awareness about the benefits of HPV vaccination among men is crucial. Many still perceive it as a vaccine primarily for women, but educating the public about its importance for men can improve vaccination rates.
As healthcare providers, we should actively discuss HPV vaccination with our male patients and their families, emphasising its role in cancer prevention and general health.
