‘HPV Vaccine for A Must For Boys': Expert Warns Rising Throat Cancer Risk in Men

For years, the HPV vaccine has been widely associated with preventing cervical cancer in girls. But doctors are now raising an urgent alarm: human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly linked to cancers in men, particularly throat cancer – also known as oropharyngeal cancer. As awareness grows, experts stress that HPV vaccination for boys is not optional – it is essential for comprehensive cancer prevention. “The virus itself is extremely common, and most people, men included, are exposed to it at some point. So if we vaccinate only girls, we’re only solving half the problem. Boys can still carry and transmit the infection without knowing it. So, HPV vaccine is a must for boys,” said Dr. Jeyhan Dhabhar, Consultant Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy

Expert, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.

What is HPV, and why does it matter?

HPV is one of the most common viral infections worldwide. Most people - both men and women - are exposed to the virus at some point in their lives. While many infections resolve on their own, certain high-risk strains can lead to serious cancers, including:

• Cervical cancer in women
• Throat cancer - in both men and women
• Anal cancer
• Penile cancer

In men, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are rising globally, often diagnosed at a later stage when treatment becomes more complex.Also read: Gaucher Disease: The Rare Genetic Disorder Often Missed

Why Boys Need the HPV Vaccine?

Traditionally, vaccination campaigns focused on girls to prevent cervical cancer. However, this approach leaves a critical gap. Boys can contract, carry, and transmit HPV without symptoms, contributing to its silent spread. According to Dr. Dhabhar, a simple public health principle: if a virus affects both genders, prevention must include both. “What often helps families understand this is a simple analogy—we don’t vaccinate only one part of the population for infections that circulate widely. The goal is to reduce the pool of infection itself. Also, many parents assume boys are somehow “less at risk,” which isn’t really true,” said Dr. Dhabhar. “The consequences may show up differently, but they can be just as serious. As doctors, we usually meet patients when the disease has already developed. With HPV, we actually have a chance to prevent that entire journey - and that’s something we shouldn’t miss,” he added. Vaccinating boys offers two major benefits:

Direct protection

It reduces the risk of HPV-related cancers, especially throat cancer in men.

Community protection or herd immunity

It lowers overall virus transmission, protecting both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Rising throat cancer risk in men

One of the most concerning trends is the increase in HPV-related throat cancers among men. Unlike cervical cancer, which has screening programs, throat cancers are often detected late due to subtle early symptoms. This makes prevention through vaccination even more critical. Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer may include:

• Persistent sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Unexplained lumps in the neck

By the time these symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.

When should boys get the HPV vaccine?

Health authorities recommend the HPV vaccine for boys typically between ages 9 and 14, before exposure to the virus. Vaccination at this stage ensures the strongest immune response and maximum protection. For older adolescents and young adults who missed early vaccination, catch-up doses can still provide significant benefits.

Breaking myths around HPV vaccination

A common misconception is that boys are “less at risk.” In reality, HPV-related diseases in men are serious and increasing. Another myth is that vaccination is only necessary for sexually active individuals. In fact, the vaccine works best before any exposure to the virus. Doctors highlight that vaccination is not about lifestyle; it is about preventing cancer before it starts. The HPV vaccine is one of the most powerful tools in modern preventive healthcare. Expanding vaccination to include boys is crucial to reducing cancer risk, curbing virus transmission, and protecting future generations. As experts point out, we often treat cancer after it develops - but with HPV, we have a rare opportunity to stop it before it begins. Ignoring that opportunity could cost lives.