HPV Vaccine For Boys: Researchers Push For Related Cancer Prevention At A Young Age

Not all types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are thought to be connected to cancer, but statistics show that it is estimated to be responsible for more than 90 percent of anal and cervical cancers, about 70 percent of vaginal and vulvar cancers and over 60 percent of penile cancers.

Now, a new study from Canada is looking at preventive measures with the HPV vaccine and stopping HPV-caused cancers in men Could its routine administration in young boys be a prevention tool against some of the potential cancers?

Though the initial vaccine isn't cheap, researchers believe that the costs will later outweigh the benefits in preventing the potential need for cancer treatments and health issues that could follow from unprotected sexual activity.

"If we do start vaccinating men and they have sex with women there will be a herd immunity effect in the opposite direction," said Dr. Lillian Siu, an oncologist at the Princess MargaretCancer Center. "I think I'm naive to think a theoretical model will change government policy, but I think raising awareness is important."

Researchers at the University of Toronto have built a statistical model to help predict what effect the vaccination could have for young Canadian boys. The model suggests that the vaccine could save lives and money for those involved.

"The idea of an HPV vaccine for boys is new in Canada and so far it has had a low adoption rate," Peter A. Newman, a public health expert at the University of Toronto, added in a news release. "So we need physicians, social workers and public health care institutions to be more active conveying the benefits of the vaccine for boys and the positive role it can help play keeping Canadians safe and healthy."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections. 

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