Only one vaccine prevents cancer: the HPV vaccine. It reduces rates of multiple forms of carcinoma.
Contrary to belief, the HPV vaccine benefits all genders. Despite its effectiveness, vaccination rates are low. In the U.S., only a small majority of teens complete the series; adults are even less likely.
Improved education and distribution could save hundreds of thousands of lives.
Why Is the HPV Vaccine a “Medical Miracle”?
The HPV vaccine initially targeted cervical cancer. It led to a nearly 90% drop in cases among vaccinated individuals in the UK. With higher vaccination rates, cervical cancer could be eradicated.
The vaccine also prevents head, neck, vaginal, anal, and penile cancers, in addition to genital warts. It remains effective for at least 12 years. Since its U.S. introduction, infections have dropped by 88% in teen girls, 81% in young women, and 40% in adult women.
In men, the vaccine reduces HPV-caused cancers by over 50%, mainly head and neck cancers.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
At first, the HPV vaccine was expensive, and was promoted mainly for girls aged 9 to 14. Globally, about 700,000 people are diagnosed with HPV-caused cancers each year. Most of these cases are cervical cancer, which causes 340,000 deaths annually.
Still, nearly one in three men carries HPV. Men can spread the virus, and women have 30% lower odds than men of getting HPV-caused cancer.
The vaccine can prevent HPV-caused cancers later in life. The Centers for Disease Control recommends two doses for kids aged 11 to 12, starting as early as age 9.
The HV vaccine is most effective when given before exposure. The second dose follows 6 to 12 months after the first.
Gardasil 9, available in the U.S., protects against nine HPV types. Adults into their 30s can still get vaccinated; in some countries, up to their 40s.
Why Don’t Enough People Get the HPV Vaccine?
Safety concerns cause some parents to skip vaccination, a trend that rose by 80% from 2015 to 2018. Only 61% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 have both doses; 77% have at least one.
Only about 15% of adults aged 27 to 45 are vaccinated, even though most HPV-related cancers occur after age 45.
Men are three times less likely than women to have received at least one dose. They weren’t encouraged to get the vaccine until 2011, five years after it was promoted for girls.
In low- and middle-income countries, HPV vaccines are scarce. Nineteen of the twenty countries most affected by cervical cancer are in Africa.
Since 2018, global supply has been insufficient. This year, Merck’s failure to deliver vaccines left ten million girls without doses. 1.5 million of them may age out by the time doses arrive and never get vaccinated.
How Can More People Get the HPV Vaccine?
Only one in three vaccine-hesitant U.S. parents have allowed their children to get the HPV vaccine. Confident recommendations from pediatricians are crucial. They must present the vaccine as safe and effective. Parents are four times as likely to vaccinate after a clear prompt, yet only half receive this nudge.
The taboo around HPV hinders access. Global messaging should promote vaccination before sexual activity, when inoculation is strongest. Currently, only about 20% of people worldwide have received the HPV vaccine.
Conclusion
Despite the effectiveness of HPV vaccines, awareness of them remains low. Doctors must promote the vaccine broadly. In doing so, they may help end at least one type of cancer.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe, including HPV vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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