When we think of human papillomavirus (HPV), the first association that comes to mind is cervical cancer. That link is well established. But what most people don’t realise is that HPV has now quietly become the leading cause of a completely different and rapidly rising cancer—oropharyngeal cancer—particularly in men. These cancers, which fall under the broader umbrella of head and neck cancers, often strike parts like the tonsils and the base of the tongue.On World Head and Neck Cancer Day, experts are ringing the alarm bells: it’s time we start talking about HPV in men with the same urgency that we do for women.More Men, More RiskAccording to a 2023 study published in The Lancet Oncology, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are now five times more common in men than women. “This isn’t just a medical statistic; it’s a warning signal,” says Dr. Akash Tiwari, Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Oncology. “We’re seeing a sharp increase in these cases, particularly in high-income countries, and the common link is persistent high-risk HPV infection.”What’s making men so vulnerable? For starters, transmission. Oral HPV is most commonly passed during intimate skin-to-skin contact, especially through oral sex. Although most HPV infections clear up on their own, some high-risk strains like HPV-16 can hang around silently in the tissues of the throat and, over time, turn cancerous.Why Men Struggle to Fight It Off“Biologically, men are more likely to contract oral HPV and less likely to clear the infection,” explains Dr. Aarzoo Saliya, Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Onco Surgeon. “It may come down to immune differences, sexual behaviour patterns, or even lack of awareness.”Unlike many infections that cause noticeable symptoms, oral HPV is sneaky. It often produces no signs, which means people can be completely unaware they’re carrying it or, worse, passing it on. And when symptoms do show up, they’re usually vague, making early diagnosis tough.Symptoms You Should Watch ForHPV-related oropharyngeal cancer doesn’t always scream for attention. But if you’ve had any of these signs persistently, it might be time to get checked:A constant sore throat that just won’t quitDifficulty swallowingA lump or swelling in the neckChanges in your voiceUnexplained ear pain“These aren’t symptoms people usually rush to a doctor for,” says Dr. Tiwari. “But in the context of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, they’re red flags.” Unlike traditional tobacco- or alcohol-related oral cancers, HPV-related cases often don’t present with obvious visible lesions, which adds to the challenge.Prevention Starts Early The good news is that we can prevent it. The same HPV vaccine that’s widely recommended for cervical cancer prevention in girls works just as well to prevent the strains of HPV that cause oropharyngeal cancer.“The most effective way to reduce risk is through timely vaccination,” says Dr. Saliya. “Ideally, the vaccine should be given before someone becomes sexually active; that’s why it’s recommended at ages 11 or 12 but can still be taken up to age 26 if missed earlier.”Yet, in many places, the uptake of the HPV vaccine among boys remains painfully low, mostly because the risk in men hasn’t received the same attention.Changing the Conversation Around HPVThere’s also a major need to shift public perception. “HPV isn’t just a ‘women’s issue’, and it certainly isn’t just about cervical cancer,” Dr. Tiwari stresses. “It’s a sexually transmitted virus that can affect everyone, and the consequences for men are becoming increasingly clear.”That means raising awareness around safe sexual practices, routine screenings for those at risk, and greater openness about male HPV-related health risks. Men, particularly young adults, need to be part of the vaccination narrative.Know the Risks, Take ActionOn a day that spotlights head and neck cancers globally, the message is simple but urgent: HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in men is real, rising, and largely preventable. Ignoring it isn’t just unwise; it’s dangerous. Whether you’re a parent considering the HPV vaccine for your son, a man experiencing persistent symptoms, or someone simply unaware of how far-reaching HPV’s impact can be, now’s the time to pay attention. Early action, education and vaccination can quite literally save lives.
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