HPV Infection Also Affects Men, Not Just Women

Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that regular health screenings save lives due to its lack of symptoms and insidious progression at an early stage. Noting that HPV infection is seen as the cause of some cancers such as penis cancer and head and neck cancer in men, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal points out that men, as well as women, must be informed about protection from HPV infection.

In countries where screenings are intensively performed, the rate of life loss due to cervical cancer has decreased by more than 75 percent in the last century. Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal: “If the coverage rate of screening exceeds 80 percent, the loss of life rate can be reduced by more than 95 percent. These figures demonstrate the importance of regular follow-up from an early age.” 

Precursor Lesions Emerge After the 20s

Stating that more than 90 percent of early precursor lesions in cervical cancer are seen under the age of 45 and reach the highest level in the 25-29 age range, Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal gives the following information: “According to studies, in developed countries where screenings are organized, the incidence is 20 people per 100 thousand on average, while in countries with limited economic resources, this figure increases to 80 people per 100 thousand. In our country, approximately 1800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. This figure accounts for 3 percent of all female cancers. But 48 percent of cases, almost half of them, are unfortunately diagnosed at an advanced stage.”

Treatment Success in Early Stages Increases to 90 Percent

Indicating that treatment success is up to 90 percent in early diagnosed cervical cases, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal: “By performing vaginal smear, colposcopy, and biopsy of suspicious tissues, it is possible to diagnose precursor lesions or early cancer. Unfortunately, cervical cancer, which may develop in women who have never had a smear, is spreading rapidly. The patient's life expectancy also varies according to the stage of cancer.”

When / Who Should be Vaccinated?

In cervical cancer, the vaccines used are divided into two groups as preventive and therapeutic vaccines. Since therapeutic vaccines are still in the working stage, preventive vaccines come to the fore. There are about 200 different types of HPV viruses. Stating that preventive vaccines are only intended for cancer-causing species, Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal continues is words as follows: “The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the HPV vaccine be routinely administered and that the vaccine be included in the national vaccination program. Protective vaccines used worldwide are quadrivalent (4) vaccines and bivalent (2) vaccines. The age range in which the effect of the vaccine on the immune system will be good was determined as 11-12 years. Since HPV infections that cause cervical cancer are mostly observed after sexual activity in young people, vaccination programs aim to vaccinate before sexual activity. It has been reported to provide close to one hundred percent protection against lesions caused by HPV types. However, it should be explained that cervical screening should continue until the age of 65, as vaccines are not effective against other HPV types.”

Should Men be Vaccinated too?

Although it is controversial that male vaccination is approved in some countries such as Australia, Mexico, the UK, and the USA, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Gynecological Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Orhan Ünal, “The FDA has approved a 4-point vaccine for men between the ages of 9-26. Information has been recorded that the vaccine protects men from HPV-related anogenital and head and neck cancers and prevents viral transmission. As well as informing and vaccinating women, it is extremely important for men to be informed about HPV transmission routes and protection from HPV infections. Although not fully protected, the use of condoms in situations where there is a possibility of HPV transmission is important for protection.”

Press Coverage: posta.com | milliyet.com.tr