HPV can cause cancers in both genders – so should boys be vaccinated too?

Singapore

HPV can cause cancers in both genders – so should boys be vaccinated too?

Experts explain how the vaccine works, and the Ministry Of Health sheds low-cal on why the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule only covers girls.

21 Mar 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 15 Aug 2022 xi:55AM)

WHAT IS HPV?

Cervical cancer is the 5th-most common cancer amidst women in Singapore and is acquired by HPV.

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which more than 40 are spread through straight sexual contact, noted the Usa National Cancer Institute (NCI).

To date, there are around 14 HPV viruses that have been linked to the development of cancer, according to Dr Ida Ismail-Pratt, Consultant at the National University Infirmary'southward Segmentation Of Gynaecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The trouble with HPV is, the infected individual doesn't evidence whatever symptoms.

And eight out of x people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lifetime without knowing information technology, according to the Singapore Cancer Social club.

In nigh cases, HPV goes abroad on its own. Just sometimes, the infections don't and tin crusade sure cancers and other diseases.

SHOULD BOTH GENDERS Be INVOLVED?

HPV sixteen and HPV 18 are the nearly common causes for cervical cancer worldwide, accounting for 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases, said Dr Ismail-Pratt.

HPV can likewise cause vaginal and vulva cancers.

But hither's where males should likewise pay attending: "Persistent HPV infection has been linked to the development of penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers," she said.

In fact, HPV sixteen is known to increase the risk of anal, penile and oropharyngeal, or throat, cancers in men.

"Currently, in that location is no effective screening tool or strategy for anal cancer every bit that for cervical cancer," said Dr Ismail-Pratt.

She added: "HPV vaccination in boys not just benefits them in terms of HPV-related infection diseases, only can also help terminate the cantankerous infection of cancer-related HPV infection in girls. This is called herd immunity."

And so, WHY AREN'T BOYS INCLUDED?

While HPV can cause genital warts, and cancers of the pharynx and anus that touch on both genders, the public health objective of the MOH initiative is cervical cancer prevention.

As such, the full subsidy on HPV vaccination is only for female students, co-ordinate to an MOH spokesperson.

"While HPV vaccination confers protection for the prevention of genital warts, as well as some other cancers (for instance, anal cancer), which may be applicable to males, these cancers have low incidence in males in Singapore," said the spokesperson.

"MOH volition go on to monitor evidence and review our policy on HPV vaccination for males as and when new evidence emerges on its clinical and cost effectiveness."

"The HPV vaccine tin be given to both boys and girls," said Dr Ismail-Pratt.

"In Singapore, the HPV vaccine is licensed to exist given to boys between 9 and 26 years old for protection against anal cancer and pre-cancer, including genital warts."

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What does this mean for parents then? "The decision for boys to proceed with the vaccination is a personal choice," said Dr Edwin Chng, medical director of Parkway Shenton.

"In general, it is the same dosing for boys every bit it is for girls."

Said Dr Ismail-Pratt: "For parents who are contemplating vaccinating their sons, a consultation with their doctor is advised to ensure they sympathize the full benefit of the HPV vaccination for their boys".

HOW THE VACCINE WORKS

The vaccine comprises an empty protein coat that tricks the trunk into thinking that it has been exposed to HPV infection, said Dr Ismail-Pratt, who explained that the vaccine does non incorporate any viral Deoxyribonucleic acid in information technology.

Translated: You lot won't go HPV infection from the vaccine. "The body and then responds by increasing the antibody levels to fight this exposure," she said.

The human papillomavirus. (Photo: YouTube)

In that location are three HPV vaccines available in Singapore and they all protect against HPV xvi and HPV 18: Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil ix, said Dr Ismail-Pratt.

The difference? The amount of protection each vaccine can provide.

For instance, Gardasil nine gives the widest protection against seven out of the 14 cancer-causing HPV infections known.

Currently, there is no indication for a demand for booster jabs afterward completing the course, she said.

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The US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention noted that the about common side effects from the injections are pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given.

There may also be dizziness, fainting, nausea, and headache.

WHAT'S A Skilful AGE TO VACCINATE?

In Singapore, vaccination for girls begins in Secondary 1 when they are 13 years old, and is completed in Secondary 2 at 14 years old.

"Only ii doses are needed if the first dose is started earlier 15 years of age," said the MOH spokesperson.

Naturally, the vaccine works best earlier the individual becomes sexually active and increases his or her chances of coming into contact with the virus.

According to the NCI, the current guidelines recommend that both boys and girls aged 11 or 12 years get two HPV vaccine shots six to 12 months autonomously.

If the two shots are given less than v months apart, a tertiary shot will be needed.

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If y'all missed this window, the recommendations for females is between the ages of 13 and 26; for males, between 13 and 21, noted the American Cancer Guild.

While the vaccine prevents your child from contracting HPV, it doesn't detect HPV infections.

For females, it is still important to become for Pap smear tests according to national guidelines to detect abnormal, infected cervical cells that have the potential to get cancer, said Dr Ismail-Pratt.

But that may soon exist replaced, she added, by a more sensitive cervical cancer screening tool that only needs to be carried out every five years as the new national cervical cancer screening protocol for women anile 30 and above.

HPV can cause cancers in both genders – so should boys be vaccinated too?

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