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

Across the globe, doctors and researchers are fighting an intense battle against an invisible enemy that claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year. The enemy is the human papillomavirus—or simply HPV. But here's the good news: We have a weapon that works. The question is, are we using it effectively enough? Especially here in Denmark, where we're usually 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 numbers are even higher. But HPV is a virus that can do much more. It's 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, have really gotten serious about vaccinating boys.

Boys Need to Be in the Fight Too

In Bangalore, one of India's top oncologists has recently made a strong case for offering HPV vaccination to boys as well. His reasoning is crystal clear: Boys carry and transmit the virus, and they themselves are at risk for 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 have we, for years, only focused on girls? Vaccine Nation, as Americans sometimes call themselves, is starting to change its stance, and many experts argue 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 eradicate a cancer for the first time. The goal is for 90% of all girls worldwide to be fully vaccinated against HPV by the time they turn 15. And more and more countries are now including boys in their national programs. This requires political will and a solid effort to educate the public that the vaccine is safe and truly works.

Where Does Denmark Stand?

Here at home, we've had our ups and downs with the HPV vaccine. After a few years of scare stories and declining participation, we're thankfully back on track. HPV vaccination has been part of the childhood immunization program for girls since 2009, and for boys since 2019. But we're not there yet. Participation rates are still lower than in our neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway, and that costs lives. Every time a 12-year-old skips the shot, it increases the risk that in 20-30 years, 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 cancer: HPV is responsible for a growing number of cases, 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 becoming sexually active. That's why it's offered to children in 5th and 6th grade. 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 utopia—it's a realistic goal if we achieve high vaccination rates and ensure women still go for screening. Even though the vaccine covers the most dangerous HPV types, there's always a small residual risk. But with a collective effort, we can save tens of thousands of lives every single year. Right here in Denmark, too. It just requires that all of us—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, 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 tools, we have the knowledge, and we have the opportunity. Let's seize it.