HPV Vaccine: Why Both Girls and Boys Should Get Vaccinated Against Cancer

Across the country, doctors and researchers are fighting an intense battle against an invisible enemy that claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of women worldwide each year. The enemy is human papillomavirus – or HPV for short. But here's the good news: We have a weapon that works. The question is, are we using it effectively enough? Especially right here in Canada, where we're usually pretty good at staying on top of our vaccinations.

HPV Vaccine: More Than Just Cervical Cancer

When we talk about the HPV vaccine, most people immediately think of cervical cancer. And it's true – HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. In fact, thousands of women in Canada and around the world are affected by this cancer every year. But HPV is capable of much more than that. The virus is also a leading cause of cancers of the mouth, throat, and genitals in both women and men. Yet, only a handful of countries, like Australia for example, have really gotten a handle on vaccinating boys.

Boys Should Be Part of the Fight Too

Leading health experts here in Canada and around the globe are advocating for boys to be offered the HPV vaccine. Their reasoning is crystal clear: Boys can carry and transmit the virus, and they themselves are at risk for developing cancers of the mouth and throat. In fact, recent research shows that HPV-related oral cancers are on the rise in men across North America. So why have we focused primarily on girls for so long? Here in Canada, we're starting to shift our perspective, and many experts point out that we need to keep up this momentum. It's all about herd immunity – the more people vaccinated, the harder it is for the virus to spread.

What Does the World Health Organization Say?

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has repeatedly stressed that we have a historic opportunity to eliminate a form of cancer for the first time. The goal is for 90% of girls globally to be fully vaccinated against HPV by the time they turn 15. And more and more countries are now including boys in their national immunization programs. It takes political will and a solid effort to educate the public that the vaccine is safe and that it really works.

How Are We Doing in Canada?

Here at home, we've had our ups and downs with the HPV vaccine. After a few years of scare stories and dipping participation rates, we're thankfully back on track. HPV vaccination has been part of school-based immunization programs for girls in most provinces and territories for years, and programs for boys have been rolling out across the country. But we're not quite at the finish line yet. Participation rates are still lower than we'd like in some areas, and that has real consequences. Every time a 12-year-old misses their shot, it increases the risk that 20 or 30 years down the road, we'll see more cases of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

• Cervical cancer: Nearly 100% of cases are caused by HPV.
• Mouth and throat cancers: HPV is responsible for a growing number of cases, especially in men.
• Genital cancers: Cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus can be triggered by HPV.
• Genital warts: A benign but bothersome consequence of HPV infection.

It's worth remembering that the vaccine works best if you get it before you become sexually active. That's why it's offered to kids in Grades 5, 6, or 7, depending on the province. But even if you're older, you can still benefit from vaccination – talk to your doctor.

The Future is Bright If We Act Now

Imagine a world without cervical cancer. It's not a fantasy – it's a realistic goal if we achieve high vaccination rates and ensure that women still go for regular screening. Because even though the vaccine covers the most dangerous types of HPV, there's always a small residual risk. But with a concerted effort, we can save tens of thousands of lives every single year. Right here in Canada, too. It just requires all of us – parents, doctors, policymakers – to take responsibility and say yes to vaccines when they're offered. Because as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

So next time you hear about the HPV vaccine, think about the fact that it's not just about girls and cervical cancer. It's about protecting an entire generation – both girls and boys – from a range of serious cancers. We have the means, we have the knowledge, and we have the opportunity. Let's seize it.