HPV Not Only Threats To Women, Men Also Need To Be Alert

Illustration of HPV (Freepik) vaccination man

JAKARTA - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is not just a threat to women. Men are also at high risk of contracting this virus, which can cause various types of serious cancer. This was confirmed by an internal medicine specialist, Dirga Sakti Rambe.

"The HPV virus not only attacks women. One in four men is at risk of infection. This virus not only causes cervical cancer, but also cerritis, throat cancer, and penis cancer," said dr. Dirga, M.Sc, Sp.PD, FRSPH, FINASIM, when met in Jakarta, Saturday.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) released through its official website revealed that in 2019, HPV caused around 620,000 cases of cancer in women and 70,000 cases in men worldwide.

Doctor Dirga explained that cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer that attacks women in Indonesia, and almost all cases are about 99 percent closely related to HPV infection.

But the good news, said Dirga, is that diseases caused by HPV can be prevented through vaccination. "With vaccination, our bodies can form immunity without having to experience infection first. This is the principle of vaccine work in protecting us," he explained.

He also highlighted countries with high HPV vaccination coverage, such as the UK, Australia, and Sweden, have shown a significant decline in the number of HPV infections and related cancer cases.

"Since being widely used since 2006, more than 1.2 billion doses of the HPV vaccine have been administered in more than 140 countries, and so far no serious safety issues have been found related to the vaccine," added Dirga.

According to him, HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone, including children and adults. "Women aged 9 to 45 years and men aged 9 to 26 years are advised to receive this vaccine," he said.

As part of national efforts in tackling cervical cancer, the Indonesian government has launched a National Action Plan for Elimination of Certificate Cancer Rahim. This program includes the implementation of early screening, immunization of HPV, treatment of pre-cancer patients, as well as education and training to increase the capacity of medical personnel and public awareness.