Cervical cancer is in special discussion these days. Model and actress Poonam Pandey spread the false news of her death due to cervical cancer, although she later clarified that she is alive. He did this only to make people aware of cervical cancer so that it can be discussed among the people and people should insist on getting vaccinated for prevention.
People have given different reactions on social media regarding this stunt of Poonam Panda. But the other side of this is that the discussion about cervical cancer has intensified.
Cervical cancer is known as a cancer mainly occurring in women, it is also one of the major factors of death. But do you know that men as well as women can be at risk of HPV infection causing cervical cancer? Men can also become victims of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection.
Men can also get HPV infection
Men can develop HPV-related cancer of the mouth and throat, penis, or anus, health experts say. HPV infection is common in sexually active people. Our immune system can usually clear HPV infections on its own, with the infection usually not causing any symptoms. However, people who have a weak immune system may be at higher risk.
More than 90% of anal cancers are caused by HPV infection. Apart from this, HPV infection is also considered a factor for penis and mouth-throat cancer, the risk of which may be higher in men.
Risk of many types of cancer in men
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that approximately 2,070 men will be diagnosed with penile cancer and 3,150 men will be diagnosed with anal cancer in the US in 2022, the majority of which are related to HPV infection.
HPV is spread mainly through contact between sexual partners. Gay men have a higher risk of HPV infection and related anal cancer.
The risk of anal cancer in sexually active gay and bisexual men may be about 17 times higher than in men who only have sex with women, health experts say. Therefore, HPV infection should not be considered as an infection occurring only in women.
What do health experts say?
Talking to Amar Ujala, Dr. Praveen Jain, an oncologist at a hospital in Delhi, says that both men and women can be at risk of HPV infection, hence vaccination is also required for both. Men, especially homosexuals, must get an HPV vaccination. It may help you reduce the risk of penile, anal, and some types of oral cancer.
In India, the risk of some types of cancer due to HPV infection is also being seen in men, increasing the rate of vaccination can help in preventing infection and reducing the risk of cancer.
HPV vaccination in men
U.S. There are 9 vaccines available in the U.S. to prevent HPV infection and the cancer it causes. It can be given to men and women between the ages of 9 years to 26 years. Giving the HPV vaccine to gay men can help protect them from the risks of serious types of HPV infection and cancer.
Health experts say, that promoting safe sex along with vaccination can help protect both men and women from the risk of this infection and the cancer it causes.
(PC: iStock)
