2023-08-22 17:36:57
New Study Reveals High Prevalence of High-Risk HPV Infection in Men
August 22, 2023 – A recent study conducted by the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men. The study, published in the journal The Lancet, analyzed data from 65 studies involving over 44,000 boys and men aged 15 and above from 35 countries.
The findings showed that nearly one in three men worldwide (31 percent) had one or more types of genital HPV, with approximately one in five (21 percent) infected with high-risk HPV. The highest number of cases was observed in the age group between 25 and 29. The most common high-risk HPV types detected were HPV-16 and HPV-6.
Traditionally, HPV has been associated with cervical cancer in women. However, this study highlights the significant impact of HPV infection on men as well. Certain types of HPV have been linked to penile, anal, and throat cancers.
The research team emphasized the need for gender-neutral vaccination strategies to address the rising HPV-related morbidity and mortality in men. Vaccinations, such as those targeting HPV-16 and HPV-18, have been successful in protecting girls and women from cervical cancer. The researchers advocate for expanding vaccination programs to include boys, suggesting that gender-neutral vaccination can help eliminate high-risk HPV types.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV infection, as the virus can be present on the skin in the genital and anal areas. The most effective preventive measure against HPV remains vaccination. The Stiko, Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination, has recommended HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 since 2007. In 2018, boys between the ages of 9 and 14 were also advised to receive the vaccination.
In Germany alone, around 6,250 women and 1,600 men develop HPV-related tumors annually. These tumors can affect various areas, including the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx.
The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive HPV prevention strategies that include both men and women. By expanding vaccination programs and raising awareness about the risks of HPV infection, it is possible to reduce the incidence of HPV-related diseases and work towards the elimination of cervical cancer.
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): Humane Papillomviren]
#people #men #risk #HPV