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HPV Vaccine Halves Cancer Risk in Boys
9 Apr
Summary
- HPV vaccine reduced cancer risk in males by 46%.
- Protection seen in both teenagers and young adults.
- UK program now includes boys in Year 8 for broader protection.
Recent research indicates that boys receiving the HPV vaccine may significantly reduce their risk of developing certain cancers. A study analyzing over three million young men found that those vaccinated against nine HPV strains experienced a 46% lower incidence of HPV-related cancers, including those of the head, neck, and penis.
This protective effect was observed across various age groups of males. The findings provide robust evidence for the vaccine's efficacy in preventing cancer in men, an area previously more focused on women and cervical cancer prevention. This strengthens the argument for expanding HPV vaccination programs globally to include boys.
As of September 2019, the UK's national HPV vaccination program was extended to cover all boys in Year 8, aiming for wider protection against cancers linked to the human papillomavirus. Vaccination is typically administered through school programs, targeting high-risk HPV strains associated with head, neck, and genital cancers.
