Health care provider's attitude concerning male human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination could affect the implementation of new guidelines find researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM).They believe targeted provider education on the benefits of HPV vaccination for male patients, specifically the association of HPV with certain cancers in men, may be important for achieving vaccination goals. These findings appear on-line in the American Journal of Men's Health.
HPV infects approximately 20 million men and women in the United States each year. It can cause anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers in men. Approximately 7,000 HPV-associated cancers are diagnosed in men annually. Last year, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued a revised statement recommending universal vaccination of 11- to 12-year-old males with catch-up vaccinations for males age13 to 21. The revised, stronger recommendation came in response to new data showing that vaccination could effectively prevent both genital warts and anal cancer precursors and epidemiologic data showing the increasing importance of HPV as a causal factor for head and neck cancers.
Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is a rare tumor and constitutes 2 to 4% of all large intestine cancers. It can be either anal squamous cell cancer, Cloacogenic cancer, ano-rectal or anal adeno-carcinoma, or anal Melanoma
Between 2009 and 2010 BUSM researchers assessed pediatric and family medicine providers' attitudes and behaviors around HPV vaccinations. The providers included 23 physicians and eight nurse practitioners from four community health centers in the Boston area that serve primarily low-income, minority and non-English-speaking populations. Although 24 of 31 (77 percent) of the providers favored vaccinating males, only three (12 percent) offered vaccination. Providers who did not offer vaccination felt that parents would not be interested in vaccinating sons to prevent cervical cancer in women and were largely unaware of serious HPV-related disease in males.
Prostate Cancer Screening
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and Digital Rectal Examination are two tests that allow detection of prostate cancer at early stages.
According to Perkins, in light of the new recommendations promoting universal HPV vaccination for males, understanding provider attitudes and actions with regard to this vaccine gains increasing importance. "Although prior research indicated that most physicians supported HPV vaccination for males, research with both parents and providers raised concerns that parents may be more reluctant to vaccinate sons than daughters," she added.
Source: Eurekalert
Pap smear and Cervical Cancer Screening
Pap smear is the most common test used in screening cervical cancer caused by an infection with human papilloma virus. Pap smear should be repeated every 1 to 3 years till the age of 65 years.
 Early HPV Vaccination Reduces Risk for Cervical CancerEarly administration of HPV vaccine reduces risk for cervical cancer. | Advertisement
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