2023-08-24 22:29:52
Title: New Study Reveals High Prevalence of High-Risk HPV Infections Among Men
Subtitle: Researchers advocate for gender-neutral HPV vaccination to protect against HPV-related diseases
Date: August 24, 2023
A recent study conducted by the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Barcelona and the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on the alarming prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among men. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive HPV prevention strategies and gender-neutral vaccination programs.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, affecting both men and women. While women are generally aware of the risks associated with HPV, such as cervical cancer, the study found that almost one in three men worldwide have one or more types of genital HPV. Additionally, one in five men was found to be infected with at least one type of high-risk HPV.
The research team analyzed data from 65 studies involving 44,769 boys and men aged 15 and over from 35 different countries. The study reveals that the highest prevalence of HPV infections was observed among men aged 25 to 29. The most dominant types of HPV detected were HPV-16 and HPV-6.
“These estimates underscore the importance of including men in comprehensive HPV prevention strategies to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality in men, and ultimately achieve the elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases,” stated the research team.
The study also highlighted the association of certain high-risk HPV types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, with cancer. Vaccinations against these types have been offered to girls and women to protect against cervical cancer. However, the research team advocates for gender-neutral HPV vaccination, urging that boys should also be included in vaccination programs. Data from modeling studies suggests that this approach may lead to the elimination of high-risk types of HPV.
It is essential to note that while condoms are commonly used as a preventive measure, they do not provide complete protection against HPV infection. HPV can be found on both mucous membranes and the skin in the genital and anal areas, making vaccination the most effective form of protection.
In Germany alone, around 6,250 women and 1,600 men develop HPV-related tumors each year. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) emphasizes that the most effective protection against HPV infections is vaccination, preferably at a young age. The German Society for Vaccinology (Stiko) has recommended HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 since 2007, and since 2018, they have also advised the vaccination of boys of the same age group.
The study’s findings serve as a call to action for healthcare authorities worldwide to prioritize HPV prevention and vaccination efforts for both men and women. By adopting gender-neutral vaccination programs, societies can strive towards the elimination of HPV-related diseases and promote the overall health and well-being of their populations.
Sources:
– The Lancet: “Global and regional estimates of genital human papillomavirus prevalence among men: a systematic review and meta-analysis” (August 2023)
– Robert Koch Institute (RKI) Website: Humane Papillomviren]
#people #men #risk #HPV