Oncologist Calls for HPV Vaccination for Boys to Prevent Throat and Oral Cancers
Doctors in Bengaluru are urging HPV vaccination for boys, warning that the virus can also cause throat and oral cancers, not just cervical cancer in women.
Akanksha jain 
Medical experts are urging greater awareness about vaccinating boys against HPV, highlighting that the virus can cause several cancers in men, including throat and oral cancers.
According to oncologists, HPV vaccination campaigns have traditionally focused on girls because of the virus’s strong link to cervical cancer. However, specialists say boys are also vulnerable to HPV‑related cancers and should be included in vaccination drives.
HPV and Cancer Risk in Men:
HPV is one of the most common viral infections transmitted through close physical contact. While it is widely associated with cervical cancer, the virus can also lead to cancers of the throat, mouth, anus, and genitals in men.
Doctors say certain strains of the virus can infect the throat and oral cavity, potentially leading to cancers that are increasingly being diagnosed worldwide.
Importance of Vaccinating Boys:
Health experts recommend it for both boys and girls, ideally during early adolescence before exposure to the virus. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infections that may later develop into cancer.
Expanding vaccination coverage to boys not only protects them individually but also helps reduce the overall circulation of the virus in the population.
Need for Public Awareness
Oncologists say many parents are still unaware that HPV vaccination benefits boys as well. Increasing awareness about the broader cancer risks associated with HPV is essential for improving vaccination rates.
Public health experts suggest that school‑based vaccination campaigns and stronger public education initiatives could help expand coverage.
Strengthening Preventive Healthcare:
Doctors emphasize that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing HPV‑related cancers. Along with vaccination, early detection and regular health check‑ups can help reduce cancer risks in the long term.
Experts say broader immunization strategies that include both boys and girls could significantly improve cancer prevention efforts in the future.
