BREAKING! HPV News: One In Three Men Worldwide Are Infected WITH HPV Virus Which Is Also An Oncovirus And Worrisome In COVID-19 Era!

HPV News: A new international study conducted in conjunction with the World Health Organization has revealed startling statistics - one in three men worldwide is infected with genital human papillomavirus (HPV). This revelation has sparked significant concern among healthcare professionals and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive HPV prevention strategies. It should be noted that HPV is an oncovirus, which can lead to various cancers, not just in women but also in men.


 
Thailand Medical News In our previous HPV News coverages have discussed extensively about the cancer-causing issues of the HPV virus and while some studies initially claimed that only certain HPV strains were cancer causing…newer data has emerged that literally all HPV strains are oncoviruses!
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/most-people-not-aware-about-hpv-or-its-cancer-causing--effects-despite-hpv-related-cancers-increasing-worldwide-
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/males-contracting-hpv-linked-head-and-neck-cancer-on-an-exponential-rise-thanks-to-porn-and-oral-sex
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/incidences-of-anal-cancer-on-the-rise-while-many-are-ignorant-about-hpv-links-to-it
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/cancer-news-incidence-of-anal-cancer-especially-due-to-hpv-rising-in-the-united-states,-more-so-in-the-midwestern-and-southeastern-states
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/cancer-news-john-hopkins-study-shows-that-the-more-oral-sex-one-indulges-in,-the-higher-the-risks-of-developing-oropharyngeal-cancer
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/hpv-related-cancers-on-rise
 
The systematic review and meta-analysis that led to this revelation assessed the prevalence of genital HPV infection in the general male population based on studies published between 1995 and 2022. The study findings revealed that the global pooled prevalence of any HPV infection among men aged 15 and older is a staggering 31%, while 21% of them are infected with high-risk HPV types, which are known to be oncogenic. This data paints a concerning picture of th e widespread nature of HPV infection among men, highlighting the critical need for targeted prevention efforts.
 
HPV-16 was the most prevalent HPV genotype (5%) followed by HPV-6 (4%). HPV prevalence was high in young adults, reaching a maximum between the ages of 25 years and 29 years, and stabilized or slightly decreased thereafter.
 
Pooled prevalence estimates were similar for the UN Sustainable Development Goal geographical regions of Europe and Northern America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Australia and New Zealand (Oceania).
 
However, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia stood out with infection rates approximately half of those in other regions.
 
Genital HPV infection can have severe consequences for both men and women, even though the majority of infections are asymptomatic. In women, HPV is well-known for its association with cervical cancer, causing more than 340,000 deaths annually.
 
In men, HPV infection tends to manifest clinically as anogenital warts, which cause significant morbidity and increase HPV transmission rates. HPV infections are also associated with penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers, which are commonly linked to HPV type 16. The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated that there were about 69 400 cases of cancer in men caused by HPV in 2018. “This global study on the prevalence of genital HPV infection among men confirms how widespread HPV infection is. HPV infection with high-risk HPV types can cause genital warts and oral, penile and anal cancer in men, with HPV type 16 being a common culprit.
 
The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated that in 2018 alone, approximately 69,400 cases of cancer in men were attributed to HPV infection. These statistics emphasize the fact that HPV is not solely a women's health issue but a serious concern for men as well.
 
It should be noted that in the current COVID-19 era, studies are showing the SARS-CoV-2 induced T Cell exhaustion and immunity dysfunction is also causing the reactivation of dormant oncoviruses in the human body and leading to the development and fast progression of various cancers.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-doctors-warn-covid-19-induced-t-cell-exhaustion-linked-to-oncovirus-reactivation-and-development-of-various-cancers
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/can-sars-cov-2-especially-the-omicron-variant-cause-hpv-and-oncogenic-hpv-reactivation-urgent-studies-warranted-based-on-growing-incidences
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-and-cancer-study-shows-that-sars-cov-2-and-usage-of-anti-covid-19-drugs-can-reactivate-oncogenic-viruses-and-increase-risk-of-cancer
 
Dr Meg Doherty, the Director of WHO's Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, commented on the study's findings, stating, "This global study on the prevalence of genital HPV infection among men confirms how widespread HPV infection is. HPV infection with high-risk HPV types can cause genital warts and oral, penile, and anal cancer in men. We must continue to look for opportunities to prevent HPV infection and to reduce the incidence of HPV-related disease in both men and women."
 
The implications of this study are vast, and they underscore the importance of including men in comprehensive HPV prevention strategies. While much attention has been focused on cervical cancer prevention in women, this research demonstrates that sexually active men, regardless of their age, play a crucial role as carriers of HPV genital infection. As such, it is vital to prioritize HPV prevention in men to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality, ultimately working towards the elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. However, the focus of HPV research and prevention efforts has historically centered on women due to the well-established link between HPV and cervical cancer.
 
The Global Battle Against HPV-Related Diseases
In light of these findings, it is imperative to recognize HPV as a major public health concern that affects both men and women. Comprehensive strategies are needed to combat HPV infections and their associated diseases.
 
First and foremost, education and awareness campaigns must be intensified to inform individuals, particularly young adults, about HPV transmission, prevention, and vaccination. Vaccination programs targeting both boys and girls have proven effective in reducing HPV infections and related cancers.
 
Additionally, regular screening for HPV-related diseases, such as cervical cancer in women and oropharyngeal cancer in men, should be encouraged. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
 
Furthermore, safe sexual practices, including condom use and the promotion of monogamous relationships, can help reduce HPV transmission. These practices should be emphasized in sexual education programs.
 
Conclusion
The recent study revealing that nearly one in three men worldwide is infected with genital HPV is a wake-up call for global health authorities and individuals alike. HPV is not merely a women's health issue but a significant concern for men as well. It is crucial to recognize HPV as an oncovirus responsible for various cancers in both genders and to prioritize comprehensive prevention and vaccination strategies.
 
Efforts to combat HPV-related diseases should focus on education, vaccination, screening, and promoting safe sexual practices. By addressing HPV as a shared public health challenge, we can work toward the elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, ultimately improving the health and well-being of people around the world.
 
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: The Lancet Global Health.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214109X23003054
 
For the latest HPV News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
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