HPV Vaccinations Help Prevent Cancer in Men

A new study shows that vaccinating men against the human papillomavirus, which is linked to anal, penile and other types of throat cancers, is a crucial step in reducing cancer rates.

 "HPV is the single most common sexually transmitted infection," says Newman, Canada Research Chair in Health and Social Justice, via a press release. "But now a vaccine is available that can change that and help to prevent the cancers that sometimes result."

Newman's research grouped data from 16 separate studies that involved more than 5,000 people to analyze rates of the HPV vaccine's acceptability and examined what factors play a key role for men in determining whether or not they will use the vaccine.

Background information from the study notes that new vaccinations often have trouble gaining support among citizens they were developed to help. Things including ignorance and misinformation regarding the vaccine could be the cause of prevention for many in receiving the vaccine.

During times when health insurance is expensive and many may not even be covered, out-of-pocket cost for such a procedure alone may prevent some from learning more about the benefits of the vaccine.

The study notes that the biggest factor affecting male HPV vaccination rates is the lack of information regarding its well-established connection to life-threatening illness. Though the vaccine has seen an increase among young women since the much publicized connection between HPV and cervical cancer, researchers are hoping that new information regarding regarding health issues linked to HPV in men will help others benefit from the drug.

More information regarding the study can be found in Sexually Transmitted Infections.