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Over 13,000 cases of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed in American men each year.
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Genital HPV infections were prevalent in 45.2% of U.S. men 18 to 59.
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25% of men had an infection with high risk HPV subtypes like HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Most people think of human papillomavirus (HPV) as primarily impacting women’s health due to its association with cervical cancer. Indeed, the global burden of cervical cancer in women attributable to HPV is very high. However, this does not take away from the enormous impact it has on men’s health as well.
HPV Prevalence in Men
Check out these facts about HPV in the U.S. male population:
- Genital HPV infections were prevalent in 45.2% of U.S. men between the ages of 18 and 59.
- About 25% of men had an infection with high risk HPV subtypes like HPV-16 and HPV-18. HPV infections, particularly those with high risk HPV subtypes, are associated with penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers in men.
- Over 13,000 cases of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed in American men each year. Oropharyngeal cancer accounts for the vast majority of these cases.
- Most men infected with HPV have no symptoms and it is the persistence of these asymptomatic infections that leads to increased cancer risks.
- In addition to the risks posed to their own health, men also serve as a reservoir of infection for their sexual partners.
Vaccine Counters HPV Risk
Fortunately, we have long had an effective vaccine against HPV to counter this risk. HPV vaccination is routinely recommended for boys at age 11 or 12 years, with the option to start as early as age 9. For those not vaccinated at the routine age, catch-up vaccination is recommended for all males through age 26 years. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) further clarify that for men aged 27 through 45 years who are not adequately vaccinated, HPV vaccination is not routinely recommended, but may be considered based on shared clinical decision-making.
It is also worth noting that these recommendations are not limited to men who have sex with other men. However, that could certainly be assessed within shared decision-making frameworks for those over age 26.
To summarize, HPV vaccinations are available for use in men of various age groups. If you are uncertain about how this affects you, please discuss it with your healthcare provider. Primary.Health can help you easily mount and manage a vaccination clinic for HPV or other vaccine-preventable diseases. Talk to a member of our team today to get started.
Disclaimer: This blog content and linked materials are not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be considered as such. Any readers with medical concerns should contact a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is provided for informational purposes only.
