A blog post for world gynecologic oncology day about the importance of gender neutral hpv vaccination by Dr Charalampos Theofanakis

 

By Dr. Charalampos Theofanakis, Greece

Dr. Charalampos Theofanakis is a Gynecologic Oncologist (ESGO), an assistant professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. The World Gynecologic Oncology Day working group invited him to write this blog post for National Immunization Month (August). We are grateful to him for sharing his expertise and for advocating for change!

 

It is well established that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) affects everyone. It is the leading cause of cervical cancer, mainly subtypes 16 and 18, but it also causes cancers in men, such as penile, anal, and throat cancers. Comprehensive protection is achieved by vaccinating all genders.

 

While HPV vaccination and screening programs are helping to reduce some HPV-related cervical cancer instances, the overall global burden of HPV-related cancers is still rising. Studies have demonstrated that HPV vaccination rates are increasing but remain insufficient to cope with the overall rise in HPV-related cancers, especially in certain regions and among specific populations.

 

There is an increase in oropharyngeal cancer particularly among men, while a high incidence of cervical cancer persists in low- and middle-income countries. In some regions, numbers of cases of oropharyngeal cancer surpass even cervical cancer, making it a leading HPV-related cancer.

 

Other HPV-related cancers, like anal, vulvar, and penile cancers, are also on the rise, though often feature less prominently in public health discussions.

 

When boys and girls are vaccinated, it strengthens herd immunity and reduces the overall circulation of HPV and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Thus, protection from disease is everyone’s responsibility and not just women’s. It is a clear message that needs to be transmitted globally.

 

It is our duty as healthcare professionals, and especially as fathers, brothers, husbands, and male peers, to support vaccination and screening and promote health-seeking behavior in families and communities.

 

Men should speak up. This helps dismantle the idea that gynecological health is a "women’s issue" that should be hidden or is shameful. We should keep in mind that in various places of this world and in many cultures, men often have a large influence in family decisions. Their support can be pivotal in encouraging daughters to be vaccinated and partners not to neglect their screening tests.

 

Quote on a pink background for world gynecologic oncology day. The quote reads "preventing disease is everyone's responsiblity and not just women's. Men should speak up."

 

Despite the fact that HPV vaccination and screening are common practice in modern societies, we still diagnose more than 600,000 women with cervical cancer worldwide, and nearly half of them come to us at an advanced stage and die from the disease. Men can play a direct role in cancer prevention by ensuring their daughters receive the HPV vaccine, encouraging their partners and mothers to attend regular screenings, and learning about the signs and symptoms of gynecological cancers.

 

HPV and cervical cancer are often stigmatized because of their link to sexual activity. Male voices in the conversation can challenge this stigma and help others see vaccination as a smart, protective health choice and not a moral judgment.

 

When men stand in solidarity with women in health campaigns, it fosters an environment where talking about sexual health is not taboo, but necessary and, at some point, life-saving.

 

So my message to men is as follows:

  • Be informed. Understand the importance of vaccines and cancer screening.
  • Be vocal. Advocate for health without shame or silence.
  • Be involved. Accompany your loved ones to health appointments, ask questions, and support their choices.

Gender-neutral vaccination and active male involvement can transform public health outcomes. When men join the conversation, not just as patients, but as advocates, they help dismantle stigma, normalize prevention, and protect the lives of those they love.

 

Let’s move from awareness to action, together.

 

References

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