In recent years, HPV (and cervical cancer) awareness has thankfully, increased. The Jade Goody effect in the UK was a huge turning point for making sure teens and young adults were aware of the risks Human Papillomavirus carries.
But there is still work to be done, as according to a study published by JAMA Pediatrics, of the 6,261 men and women (aged 18-26) surveyed, two-thirds didn’t know HPV causes cancer.
A bit of background about HPV & cancer
HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and most men and women who are sexually active will become infected at some point in their lives.
However, a small number of infections with specific types of HPV can manifest to become cervical cancer, anal, penile and oral cancer – contrary to common belief, HPV doesn’t just affect women.
There are almost 1000 deaths as a result of cervical cancer in the UK every year and most penile and anal cancers are caused by HPV. Evidence from Cancer Research UK has also pointed to a rise in rates of mouth cancer increasing as a result of HPV.
With this in mind, men in particular need to be sharper on the subject, especially if you’re having sex with other men, as you’re in the at-risk category for HPV-related cancers.
The good news is, if you are a man having sex with other men, you can request the HPV vaccine for free through sexual health and HIV clinics in the UK. Don’t wait too late to have it guys!
Unfortunately, complications arising from having HPV are often symptomless until things become very advanced, it’s so incredibly important to be open and honest about your sexual past with new partners if you think you might have slept with someone who has had it, as you could potentially save a life.hp
Getting tested
Chaps and chappettes, I can’t stress the importance of making sure you go to your routine cervical cancer screenings and chaps, you should encourage your other half and friends to do so. Thanks to walk-in clinics, it’s never been easier to get tested for the HPV virus and for other STDs.