A new survey conducted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center highlights significant cancer risks associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) in men, who are more likely than women to be infected with the virus. While most people know that HPV can lead to cervical cancer in women, many are unaware of the risk of throat and tongue cancers in men linked to HPV.
The survey found that 45% of respondents did not know that HPV is linked to other types of cancer beyond cervical cancer. A similar percentage believed that HPV was more common in women than men, when in fact it is more common in men.
According to the researchers, HPV-related oropharyngeal (tonsil and tongue base) cancers could become a leading form of cancer among adults aged 45-65 if trends continue. These cancers often do not produce symptoms until they are advanced stages, making it difficult for people to seek treatment.
“The genetic changes caused by HPV can take years or even decades to develop into cancer,” said Matthew Old, MD, a head and neck surgeon at Ohio State. “Once exposed, there are currently no treatments for HPV infections, and many who are unvaccinated unknowingly carry and spread high-risk strains of the virus.”
The survey also found that 42 million Americans have HPV, with cervical cancer mortality rates being higher in rural US counties compared to urban areas. A cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open highlighted a recent increase in cervical cancer incidence among white women in rural US counties.
“These findings underscore discrepancies in vaccine uptake and lower screening coverage in rural areas,” said the authors of the study. “Enhancing preventive care, including HPV vaccination and screening access, is crucial for addressing these disparities.”
The alarming lack of awareness about men’s HPV risk highlights the need for increased education and access to preventive healthcare services in all communities, particularly in rural areas where cervical cancer mortality rates are disproportionately high.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/human-papillomavirus-hpv/survey-shows-most-people-unaware-extent-hpv-risk-men