HPV Vaccine Protects Men from Cancers: To prevent cervical cancer, a campaign is going on in India to administer HPV vaccine to girls up to 14 years of age. This vaccine is considered very effective in protecting against cervical cancer caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). According to health experts, HPV vaccine should be given to all girls between 9 to 14 years of age. On doctor’s advice, women up to 26 years of age can get this vaccine. This vaccine is often considered to be associated with girls, but the truth is that HPV infection affects not only women but also men. Cancer specialist says that boys should also get HPV vaccine, so that they can be protected from serious diseases.

Dr. Sarika Gupta, Director of Gynecology and Oncology Department of Action Cancer Hospital, New Delhi told News18. HPV is a very common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. It can cause not only cervical cancer but also throat cancer, head cancer, anal cancer and penile cancer. Men often become carriers of HPV and can unknowingly pass the infection on to their partners. In such a situation, vaccination of men is also necessary, so that their partners can be protected from many types of cancer including cervical. Apart from this, getting HPV vaccine can also reduce the risk of many types of cancers including head cancer and neck cancer in men.

Dr. Sarika said that 90% of cancers caused by HPV virus can be prevented through vaccine. HPV vaccine can play an important role in preventing many cancers in both men and women. Boys between 9 to 14 years of age should also get this vaccine. This vaccine is approved for adults up to 45 years of age and men can get this vaccine on the advice of a doctor. A major advantage of the HPV vaccine for men is that it reduces the risk of genital warts. Oral cancer related to HPV is increasing rapidly in men, hence timely vaccination is very important.

The doctor clearly says that some people do not get vaccinated thinking that they are healthy or do not have any symptoms. However, HPV infection can sometimes remain present in the body for a long time without any symptoms and can later take the form of a serious disease. This is why doctors consider it a strong measure of preventive protection. The HPV vaccine is safe and very effective. Its side effects are also quite mild.