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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the best time to reflect on the challenges posed by one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers: cervical cancer. This new year requires you to understand how the human papillomavirus (HPV) affects gender health and make a difference in preventing and raising awareness about the conditions that can help save lives. Here, a top oncologist in Bengaluru discusses how HPV can negatively impact gender health. Learn about the associated risks and how preventive measures can help guard against its spread.
Synopsis
The Prevalence of HPV-Associated Cancers
HPV is a widespread sexually transmitted infection in women and men of all ages throughout the world. However, cervical cancer in women remains the most common kind of HPV-related cancer. 40% of HPV-related cancers occur in men, including anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. This is profound and makes one realise the significance beyond any gender context related to understanding HPV.
In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of female cancer deaths. The disease contributes to 17% of all female cancer deaths, particularly among women aged 30 to 69 years. It is surprising that, despite such prevalence, cervical cancer and other malignancies due to HPV can be reduced dramatically by preventive measures like vaccination and routine screening.
HPV: A Silent Yet Pervasive Threat
HPV infections are usually asymptomatic, and most of them resolve spontaneously. However, persistent infection with certain high-risk types of HPV leads to cancer. HPV affects individuals of all genders, but the types of cancers and risks vary between genders. In men, it can result in anal, penile, or oropharyngeal cancers, all acquired through sexual contact. Circumcision status and sexual behaviour have immense influences on the risk of acquiring the infection and developing malignancies.
This raises the risk among women, where persistent infections from HPV can advance to precancerous lesions and, if undetected or untreated, even to cervical cancer. This thus sets an important preventive agenda across both genders.
Preventing HPV-Associated Cancers
HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against high-risk HPV strains most commonly linked to cancer. All children aged 9 and above are advised to receive it, and vaccination for adults is a catch-up for those up to 45 years of age if they were not immunised earlier.
Dosage Guidelines
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Before 15th birthday: Two doses spaced 6–12 months apart.
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On or after the 15th birthday: Three doses (0, 1–2 months, and 6 months).
Vaccination is effective when given before the beginning of sexual activities, and hence, it has long-term immunity against multiple types of HPV strains. However, even if sexually active or with previous exposure to HPV, this vaccine can give significant protection against other strains.
Screening and Early Detection
Women need regular screening with PAP smears and HPV DNA tests. You must have a PAP test beginning at age 25 and repeating every three years. If, after age 30, you have a combined PAP and HPV DNA test every five years.
Screening is very important as abnormal cervical cells are detected before the development of cancer. In males, routine HPV screening is not practised; however, there should be a great deal of awareness and vigilance regarding the symptomatology of anal or oropharyngeal cancers.
Consult our cancer care hospital in Varthur Road Bangalore if you need treatment for HPV infection.
How You Can Reduce Your Risk
A wide approach protects oneself against HPV and related cancers:
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Get Vaccinated: Make sure both you and your children receive on-time HPV immunisation.
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Quit Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of HPV persistence and progression to cancer.
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Practice Safe Sexual Behaviors: Using condoms and reduction of sexual contact.
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Attend regular screenings: Keep up to date with recommended PAP and HPV DNA tests.
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Educate Yourselves and Others: Spread the word about how prevention and vaccination are important.
HPV and Herd Immunity
By ensuring a wider population that is HPV immunised, herd immunity can be achieved; this would minimise the spread of the virus and shield the unimmunizable group. Therefore, it is important to reach a high vaccination rate among both boys and girls in order to control the spread of this virus and thus reduce the impact of the disease.
Gender-Neutral Approach to HPV Prevention
The incorporation of gender-neutral approaches in the prevention of HPV should be aimed at maximising protection and equity. The vaccination of boys will not only protect them from cancers caused by HPV but also minimise the chances of transmission to female partners. The approach ensures full protection for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
January: A Month of Awareness and Action
January serves to remind everyone to take proactive measures toward prevention and education. Thus, this might be a wake-up call to an adult planning to get vaccinated or the parent wishing to vaccinate their child.
Oncology experts believe HPV-associated cancers can be prevented through vaccination, routine screening, and a commitment to education.
FAQ's
The vaccine prevents only the most damaging types of HPVs, the high-risk HPVs that are responsible for cervical cancers, anal cancers, penile cancers, and some oropharyngeal cancers; it does not prevent every cancer.
Yes, adults aged 45 years and younger who were never vaccinated earlier can benefit from it because they will be able to protect themselves from high-risk HPV strains to which they have not yet been exposed.
Even without penetrative sex, it is still possible for someone to get the virus since skin-to-skin intimate contact transmits it. Therefore, vaccination must commence before engaging in sexual activities.
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