Not Only For Women, HPV Vaccines Can Prevent Cancer In Men

Illustration of the HPV vaccine in men (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is often associated with cervical cancer in women. However, this virus can also cause various types of cancer in men, including anus, penis, and oropharyngeal cancer.

Therefore, HPV vaccination is not only important for women but also for men as a preventive measure against serious diseases that can be caused by this virus.

Citing the Hindustan Times page, HPV is responsible for several types of cancer that can attack men. Dr. Deepika Aggarwal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, emphasized that although HPV is often associated with protection for women, men should also get the same attention in prevention efforts.

"HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact, but so far the main focus of prevention has been more given to the female population. In fact, men are also at high risk of developing various diseases due to HPV infection," said Dr. Deepika, as quoted by ANTARA.

HPV vaccination is an effective step in protecting men from anus, penis, and oropharyngeal cancer caused by infection with this virus. In addition to protecting men's health, vaccination also helps reduce HPV transmission in the population, thus indirectly protecting women from the risk of infection.

According to Dr. Deepika, this vaccine is the most effective if given before a person is sexually active, at the age of 9 to 14 years. "Giving the HPV vaccine to boys not only protects them from cancer, but is also an important strategy in stopping the spread of the virus between the two sexes," he explained.

In India, the HPV vaccine is available, and it's time to consider giving this vaccine to boys as part of a wider cancer prevention measure. This effort is expected to increase awareness and prevent the risk of serious illness in the future.