While it's well known that HPV vaccines help cut the odds for cervical cancer, new research shows boys and men also benefit Rates of various cancers, but especially head and neck tumors, were much lower if a man had received the HPV vaccine Rates of HPV vaccination in boys is rising, but it still lags that of girls FRIDAY, May 24, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Development and uptake of the human papilloma virus ( HPV ) vaccine has been crucial in reducing rates of virus-linked cervical cancers in women. Now, the accumulated data suggests the vaccine is saving men from fatal cancers, too. Overall, men who got the vaccine [typically as boys] saw their odds for HPV-linked cancers slashed in half, according to a report to be presented at the upcoming meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in June.
Tumors in men known to be related to HPV infection include cancers of the head and neck, anal areas and penis. The overall rate of such cancers among vaccinated men was 7.5 cases per 100,000 men, but that rate fell to 3.
4 among men who'd been vaccinated, the report found. The biggest declines were seen in the prevention of male head and neck cancers -- 2.8 cases per 100,000 vaccinated patients vs.
6.3 per 100,000 unvaccinated patients. “We have known the HPV vaccine decreases rates of oral HPV infection, but this study shows that in boys and men in particular, vaccination decreases the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal head and neck cancers," said Dr.
Glenn Hanna , who.
