The Silent Threat of the Human Papillomavirus
Experts in global health have emphasized a critical point: while cervical cancer is commonly associated only with women, the reality is that the underlying cause, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), does not discriminate between men and women. It is a virus that silently affects both genders globally.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly every sexually active person will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime. Although most infections clear up naturally, certain high-risk strains can ultimately lead to cancer.
Risks to Men and Unintentional Transmission
HPV is one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) worldwide. Yet, regrettably, the focus on screening and vaccination efforts remains largely on women, while men are often overlooked in this crucial preventative health measure.
Health experts warn that HPV is not only responsible for cervical cancer in women but can also cause penile, anal, and throat cancers in men. More concerningly, HPV often resides silently in men, meaning they can unwittingly transmit it to their partners, thereby increasing the cancer risk for women.
Prevention as a Universal Cancer-Fighting Tool
Health specialists state clearly that the HPV vaccination—designed to prevent cervical cancer—is essential not just for women but equally for men. They advocate that this vaccine should be viewed as a universal cancer prevention tool globally, not only to protect men from various cancers but also to break the chain of transmission that leads to cervical cancer in women.
