What every man must know about HPV and cervical cancer prevention: Surgical oncologist explains

How do men play a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer? Understand HPV risks and the importance of vaccination for themselves and their partners.

Men are pivotal in halting cervical cancer, a disease claiming over 660,000 women's lives yearly, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus fueling 99% of cases, spreads silently through intimate contact, it is often carried asymptomatically by males, as per Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. Every man must grasp this: your actions shield your partners, daughters, and mothers. Here's the unvarnished truth on HPV and prevention, distilled for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both men and women. Surgical oncologist explains why. (Unsplash)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a health and wellness journalist with over eight years of experience in the field of health and wellness journalism. She knows how to explain complex health topics in a way that is easy to understand for many readers. Tavishi has written for respected publications like RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, and Zee. She has a strong understanding of current health trends and social issues. Tavishi is dedicated to promoting holistic health and wellness solutions, which she shares in her articles about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. For more insights and updates on health, you can follow her work in the Hindustan Times.

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According to the WHO, HPV encompasses over 200 strains; high-risk types 16 and 18 ignite 70% of cervical cancers, morphing persistent infections into malignancy over 10-20 years in women. Men harbour and transmit these viruses without warning signs, posing danger to unsuspecting partners while facing penile, anal, and throat cancers themselves, striking 70,000 males globally annually, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "This isn't abstract; unvaccinated men amplify community risk, but informed ones dismantle it," Dr Rajesh Kumar Jain, Surgical Oncologist at BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital, tells Health Shots.

Does the HPV vaccine stop 90% of cervical cancer?

The HPV vaccine targets nine oncogenic strains, slashing cervical cancer odds by 90% and men's genital lesions by matching margins ideally administered at ages 9-12, extendable to 45 as per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Clinical trials, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), confirm vaccinated males halve their risk of oropharyngeal cancer and dramatically curb partner transmission.

How does cervical cancer affect men?

Men need to be informed about HPV (human papillomavirus) for several important reasons:

• Monogamy or fewer partners: Abstinence eradicates risk; mutual fidelity starves HPV.
• Use condoms: They cut transmission 70%, though skin gaps persist, when paired with vaccination as per the Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
• Circumcision: Reduces male HPV acquisition 35%, extending cervical protection to partners as per the Virology Journal.
• Screening advocacy: Insist partners get Pap/HPV tests from age 25 every 3-5 years, early wins cure according to the American Cancer Society.

Is cervical cancer totally preventable by vaccines?

This Awareness Month, vaccinate if unjabbed, model vigilance, and broadcast that cervical cancer is 100% preventable as per the WHO. Persistent HPV lurks, but your vaccine dose and safe habits forge an iron barrier. Consult your physician now; lives hinge on it. "As a surgeon who's excised countless tumours, I've witnessed needless tragedy; end it today", says the expert.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)