New HPV vaccine study highlights benefits for men
A vaccine long framed as protection against cervical cancer in women is now showing clear benefits for men, reports BritPanorama.
Boys and young men who received the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine had about half the risk of developing related cancers compared with those who were unvaccinated, according to a large new study published in JAMA Oncology.
This vital information underscores the importance of understanding what HPV is and the cancers it is linked to. Parents and young men should carefully consider the timing of the HPV vaccine and engage in discussions about its health implications.
To help with these questions, wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, shared insights regarding HPV.
CNN: What is HPV, and how common is it in boys and men?
Dr. Leana Wen: HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. The vast majority of those who are sexually active will be exposed to it at some point in their lives.
This applies to both men and women. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly all sexually active people are infected with HPV within months to a few years of starting sexual activity. About half of these infections involve a high-risk HPV type that increases the likelihood of developing cancers. While most infections clear on their own, some can persist and lead to cellular changes that may become cancerous over time.
CNN: What types of cancers are linked to HPV?
Wen: HPV is associated with a range of cancers in both men and women. In women, the most well-known is cervical cancer, but HPV can also cause cancers of the vagina and vulva. In men, HPV is linked to cancers of the penis, anus, and the head and neck.
Over 90% of anal cancer is caused by HPV. Oropharyngeal cancer, also called throat cancer, is highly associated with HPV, with about 70% attributed to the virus. Consequently, more than 60% of penile cancer cases are caused by HPV.
CNN: What did this new study find about HPV vaccination in boys and young men?
Wen: This study included a global database of more than 615,000 males ages 9 to 26 who received the nonavalent HPV vaccine and over 2 million who did not. After adjusting the groups to make them comparable, researchers analyzed approximately half a million individuals in each group.
They found that men who were vaccinated had a significantly lower risk of developing HPV-related cancers. Overall, vaccination was associated with about a 46% reduction in risk, meaning those who received the vaccine had approximately half the risk compared with unvaccinated individuals.
This benefit was evident across different demographic groups. Those vaccinated between ages 9 and 14 had about a 42% lower risk, while those vaccinated between 15 and 26 experienced about a 50% lower risk.
CNN: Why has HPV vaccination historically been emphasized more for girls and women?
Wen: The initial focus on the HPV vaccine was driven by the clear connection between HPV and cervical cancer, a significant global health issue. According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, resulting in over 660,000 new cases and about 350,000 deaths in 2022.
Public health campaigns initially prioritized the prevention of this specific cancer; therefore, vaccination programs were primarily rolled out for girls. Over time, as more evidence emerged regarding HPV-related diseases in men, recommendations expanded to include boys. However, public perception has struggled to keep pace with scientific understanding, and many still associate this vaccine predominantly with females.
CNN: At what age should boys receive the HPV vaccine?
Wen: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine vaccination for preteens at 11 or 12 years old, starting as early as age 9. The HPV vaccine can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises routine vaccination for all adolescents starting between ages 9 and 12, emphasizing early vaccination to prevent any exposure to HPV. The immune response is strong at younger ages, and significant waning of protection has not been observed.
CNN: Is there still benefit if vaccination occurs later, during the teen or young adult years?
Wen: Yes, and this point is essential. While earlier vaccination is optimal, studies indicate that significant benefits remain for those vaccinated during their teenage or young adult years, as the vaccine protects against multiple strains of HPV. Catch-up vaccinations continue to be valuable.
CNN: What are the recommendations for kids who may have missed their HPV vaccine?
Wen: Those who were not vaccinated at the recommended time are encouraged to receive catch-up vaccinations through age 26. For those aged 27 to 45 who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, the CDC suggests shared clinical decision-making to determine whether to receive the vaccine in consultation with healthcare providers.
CNN: What would you say to parents who are unsure about getting their kids the HPV vaccine?
Wen: I would emphasize that this vaccine is about preventing cancer. It safeguards against infections that can lead to serious diseases many years later. We now have strong evidence that it benefits everyone. The vaccine’s safety profile is robust, and its effectiveness in preventing HPV-related disease is very high. Choosing vaccination is an opportunity to reduce the risk of serious illness for our children in the future.
