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

Across the world, doctors and researchers are fighting an intense battle against an invisible enemy that kills hundreds of thousands of women every year. The enemy is called human papillomavirus – or simply HPV. But there's good news: We have a weapon that works. The question is, are we using it well enough? Especially here in Ireland, where we're usually pretty good at keeping 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, around 74,000 women in India die from this type of cancer every year, and globally the number is even higher. But HPV is capable of much more than that. The virus is also a leading cause of cancer of the oral cavity, throat, and genitals in both women and men. Yet, only a handful of countries, like Australia, have really gotten to grips with vaccinating boys.

Boys Should Join the Fight Too

Recently, a leading oncologist in Bangalore made the case for offering HPV vaccination to boys as well. His argument is crystal clear: Boys carry and transmit the virus, and they themselves are at risk of developing mouth and throat cancer. In fact, recent research shows that HPV-related oral cancer is on the rise among men in the Western world. So why, for years, have we only focused on girls? Vaccine Nation, as Americans sometimes call themselves, is starting to change its attitude, and more experts are pointing out that we should do the same here. 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 type of cancer for the first time. The goal is for 90% of all 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 immunisation programmes. It requires political will and a solid effort to inform the public that the vaccine is safe and that it really works.

How Are We Doing in Ireland?

Here at home, we've had our ups and downs with the HPV vaccine. After a few years of scare stories and declining uptake, we're thankfully back on track. HPV vaccination has been part of the childhood immunisation programme for girls since 2010, and for boys since 2019. But we're not there yet. Uptake is still lower than in our neighbouring countries, and that costs lives. Every time a 12-year-old misses the vaccine, we increase the risk of seeing more cases of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases in 20 or 30 years' time.

• Cervical cancer: Nearly 100% of cases are caused by HPV.
• Mouth and throat cancer: HPV is responsible for a growing proportion, especially in men.
• Genital cancers: Cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, and anus can all be triggered by HPV.
• Genital warts: A benign but troublesome 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 children in 1st year of secondary school (or around ages 11-12). But even if you're older, you can still benefit from vaccination – talk to your GP.

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 also ensure that women continue to attend their screenings. Even though the vaccine covers the most dangerous HPV types, there is always a small residual risk. But with a collective effort, we can save tens of thousands of lives every single year. Right here in Ireland too. It just requires that we all – parents, doctors, politicians – take responsibility and say yes to vaccines when they're offered. Because, as they say, prevention is better than having to go through cancer treatment.

So, the next time you hear about the HPV vaccine, remember 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 take it.