When you hear “HPV,” you might think of cervical cancer or that it’s a woman’s problem.
Wrong play. Human papillomavirus (HPV) doesn’t discriminate by gender. It’s one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, and men are just as vulnerable to its dangers.
Stats that hit hard
Globally, HPV is linked to 90% of anal cancers, 70% of throat cancers, and 60% of penile cancers (Journal of Surgical Oncology). In Hong Kong, doctors are raising the same red flag: HPV isn’t gendered. It’s universal. And you could be its next victim.
HPV: The enemy you can’t see
HPV is like a stealth bomber: silent, invisible, and striking when you least expect it. Almost every man will encounter it at some point, often without knowing. Your body destroys most strains, but some hang tough. That’s when the real trouble starts.
When HPV strikes
The high-risk HPV strains that survive your body’s defence can cause serious damage.
Anal cancer: The risk of anal cancer is about 17 times higher in sexually active gay and bisexual men than in men who have sex only with women (Vaccines Journal). Men with weaker immunity also fall prey. Symptoms? Bleeding, pain, itching, or a lump.
Throat cancer: HPV, typically spread through intimate kissing or oral sex, can infect the back of your throat, tongue, and tonsils. Warning signs include a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, or unexplained lumps.
Penile cancer: Rare, but when it strikes, it’s brutal. Watch for persistent sores, growths, or weird skin changes.
Genital warts are small growths on the penis, scrotum, or anus. They may not be life-threatening, but they’re uncomfortable, contagious, and a clear warning that HPV is at play.
Win the fight before it begins
You’ve got armour. HPV vaccine, like GARDASIL 9, is your proven defence kit. Cleared for guys aged 9–45, it shields against HPV-linked cancers (anal, throat, penile), genital warts, and even early precancerous lesions before they break through your defences. Ideally, you must take the vaccine before becoming sexually active, but it’s still effective up to age 45.
So your strategy against HPV is simple: get vaccinated, and don’t ignore unusual symptoms.
Your next move:
Suit up with the HPV vaccine. Stay alert to warning signs. Don’t let a silent enemy bench you from the game of life. See your doctor today.
If you have a son or young men you care about, learn how KLF’s school vaccination program safeguards boys. Prevention starts at school with KLF.