HPV Vaccine. Girls only?

MadsL

In a recent interview Michael Douglas has just linked his throat cancer with oral sex.

HPV can cause cancer. The Centre for Disease Control estimates that about 12,000 HPV-associated cancers occur each year in men; oropharyngeal cancers are the most common.

Why is the Irish state only vaccinating girls?

Fr_Dougal

Because...oh look, a penny....

Raging_Ninja

Because men don't have a vagina.

If the girls dont get the human papilloma virus then they can't pass it on.

And Michael Douglas is not a doctor and I doubt he carried out a study.

Christ the Redeemer

Why would people ask Michael Douglas about this?

clairefontaine

MadsL wrote: »

In a recent interview Michael Douglas has just linked his throat cancer with oral sex.

HPV can cause cancer. The Centre for Disease Control estimates that about 12,000 HPV-associated cancers occur each year in men; oropharyngeal cancers are the most common.

Why is the Irish state only vaccinating girls?

Because they don't want to spend the money.

Seaneh

MadsL wrote: »

In a recent interview Michael Douglas has just linked his throat cancer with oral sex.

HPV can cause cancer. The Centre for Disease Control estimates that about 12,000 HPV-associated cancers occur each year in men; oropharyngeal cancers are the most common.

Why is the Irish state only vaccinating girls?

In fairness, this would equate to less than 200 cases in Ireland, if you did a direct per-capita comparison.

How many more cases are there of HPV-associated cancers in women per year? I'd wager you're talking factors of tens.


That said, it makes more sense to vaccinate everyone against stuff like this.

MadsL

Raging_Ninja wrote: »

Because men don't have a vagina.

If the girls dont get the human papilloma virus then they can't pass it on.

Is a vagina necessary for throat cancer??

What if a man has oral sex with a woman who hasn't been vaccinated?

And Michael Douglas is not a doctor and I doubt he carried out a study.

High-profile example; he merely said that his cancer may have been caused by HPV. Jesus, read the article will ya?

MadsL

Christ the Redeemer wrote: »

Why would people ask Michael Douglas about this?

No-one.

He's an example not the expert.

Gatling

He was/is a smoker also linked to throat cancer

Kevo

Seaneh wrote: »

In fairness, this would equate to less than 200 cases in Ireland, if you did a direct per-capita comparison.

How many more cases are there of HPV-associated cancers in women per year? I'd wager you're talking factors of tens.

I would have thought so too but I had a look at some stats from the US here. It's reasonable to assume that the percentages would be similar.

While there is a bigger benefit in vaccinating women (10,300 cases of cervical cancer attributable to HPV between 2004 and 2008), there still does seem to be a big, though lower, benefit to vaccinating men (8,400 cases of cancer of the oropharynx attributable to HPV between 2004 and 2008).

So yes, the number would be smaller but not that much smaller.

Edit:

it does seem that women have a greater overall risk if you include all types of HPV related cancers.

Seaneh

Kevo wrote: »

I would have thought so too but I had a look at some stats from the US here. It's reasonable to assume that the percentages would be similar.

While there is a bigger benefit in vaccinating women (10,300 cases of cervical cancer attributable to HPV between 2004 and 2008), there still does seem to be a big, though lower, benefit to vaccinating men (8,400 cases of cancer of the oropharynx attributable to HPV between 2004 and 2008).

So yes, the number would be smaller but not that much smaller.

Jesus, stunned it's only twice as high (and no even actually twice as high)!

Kevo

Seaneh wrote: »

Jesus, stunned it's only twice as high (and no even actually twice as high)!

Yeah, same here. Wasn't expecting to find that.

Michael Douglas did not say he developed throat cancer because of oral sex, according to his publicist.

The Hollywood actor was quoted as telling the Guardian that the strain of cancer he was diagnosed with had been caused by the sexually transmitted HPV (human papillomavirus).

But a statement from the 68-year-old’s publicist sought to clarify his remarks and said Douglas was not talking about his own cancer.

A statement from Allen Burry, obtained by the BBC said: “No. He [Douglas] did not say oral sex was the cause of his cancer."

though he also allegedly says eating pssuy cures it

MadsL

Gatling wrote: »

He was/is a smoker also linked to throat cancer

In fairness he is Micheal Douglas, so whilst he may have smoked 10-20 cigs a day, his actual exposure to women may have been much higher

MadsL

Raging_Ninja wrote: »

Because men don't have a vagina.

Also a rather discriminatory comment. Men also give BJs.

Lyssa

[URL="[url]https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/76197_633709993316682_282411567_n.jpg[/url]"]Pic[/URL]

One strain implicated in this study (HPV-16) also is believed to contribute to 60% of oral cancers, 60% of cervical cancers, and 80% of anal cancers.

More Info: http://bbc.in/1b9q3wP

my 5 year old was having his vaccinations in school recently, and I was told, when the time comes for HPV vaccine (11-12) then the boys may be getting it then too, but for now, it's only the girls.

MadsL

Countries vaccinating boys: UK and Austria.

spurious

I asked the nurses about this when they were giving the vaccine to the girls in our school. They agreed with me that it should be both, but that it was a money thing.

If it's hetero sex spreading it in the main, you'd think they'd want to knock it on the head for both halves of the team.

MadsL

Mylina wrote: »

[URL="[url]https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/76197_633709993316682_282411567_n.jpg[/url]"]Pic[/URL]


More Info: http://bbc.in/1b9q3wP

my 5 year old was having his vaccinations in school recently, and I was told, when the time comes for HPV vaccine (11-12) then the boys may be getting it then too, but for now, it's only the girls.

Wouldn't parents insist?

MadsL

spurious wrote: »

I asked the nurses about this when they were giving the vaccine to the girls in our school. They agreed with me that it should be both, but that it was a money thing.

If it's hetero sex spreading it in the main, you'd think they'd want to knock it on the head for both halves of the team.

Where does that come from ???

If it can be spread through oral sex, then everyone has a tongue.

Lyssa

MadsL wrote: »

Wouldn't parents insist?

I will pay for it, if I have to when the time comes... I *think* it's between 600-1000 euro to have it atm...

Edit: 3 vaccines, over 6 months, at 200 euro each....
http://www.womenshealthclinic.ie/cervical-cancer-vaccination.html?gclid=CNX084qC-7gCFexF2wod2X0Asg

April O Neill

MadsL wrote: »

In a recent interview Michael Douglas has just linked his throat cancer with oral sex.

And this was roundly dismissed by experts.

spurious

MadsL wrote: »

Where does that come from ???

If it can be spread through oral sex, then everyone has a tongue.

Sorry, I meant more people tend to have hetero encounters than gay ones. Where they put it is another story.

spurious

spurious wrote: »

Sorry, I meant more people tend to have hetero encounters than gay ones. Where they put it is another story.

LOL

MadsL

April O Neill wrote: »

And this was roundly dismissed by experts.

Sorry, HPV does NOT cause throat cancer???

Source?

MadsL

Mylina wrote: »

I will pay for it, if I have to when the time comes... I *think* it's between 600-1000 euro to have it atm...

Edit: 3 vaccines, over 6 months, at 200 euro each....
http://www.womenshealthclinic.ie/cervical-cancer-vaccination.html?gclid=CNX084qC-7gCFexF2wod2X0Asg

Yes, it was a tough one to wait a year when my daughter was looking likely NOT to get it. We were not looking forward to the €1000 bill.

hfallada

Because its costs like €400 per person to vaccinate. If vaccinate girls that covers a majority of people they could possible catch it except for gay guys who could still get it. But then most gay guys gets free hep a&b vaccinates but that isn't given to the general public

shopaholic01

It should be given to both boys and girls.

Another issue I have is that doctors only recommend it for people who have not been sexually active. Because HPV is so common there are estimates that at least 6 out of every 10 sexually active people have had at least one form of HPV in their lifetime, most never know or develop symptoms. So, you may already have been exposed to at least 1 strain, but I still think it would be worthwhile having the vaccination. Condoms only provide limited protection too, because there is still skin on skin contact.

I know another poster has given stats linking HPV to other cancers, but I do remember reading a report that suggested it may also be linked to penile and prostate cancers.

Peregrine

Both genders should be vaccinated. It's been shown that certain HPV infections do increase the risk of throat cancer.

spurious wrote: »

Where they put it is another story.

MadsL

hfallada wrote: »

Because its costs like €400 per person to vaccinate. If vaccinate girls that covers a majority of people they could possible catch it except for gay guys who could still get it. But then most gay guys gets free hep a&b vaccinates but that isn't given to the general public

What? WHAT?

Gay men aren't worth bothering with? Bisexual men not worth bothering with?

And anyone can go to a Gay men's health centre - they don't test that you know all the words to YMCA and I will survive before you can get a Hep A&B vaccine y'know.

Lyssa

hfallada wrote: »

Because its costs like €400 per person to vaccinate. If vaccinate girls that covers a majority of people they could possible catch it except for gay guys who could still get it. But then most gay guys gets free hep a&b vaccinates but that isn't given to the general public

The cost of the vaccine is a drop in the bucket compared to cancer treatment, and the cost of a life.....

Amirani

MadsL wrote: »

What? WHAT?

Gay men aren't worth bothering with? Bisexual men not worth bothering with?

And anyone can go to a Gay men's health centre - they don't test that you know all the words to YMCA and I will survive before you can get a Hep A&B vaccine y'know.

Agreed, quite a baffling comment really.

MadsL

I'm a bit confused by the high level of Atari Jaguar votes in this poll. Large numbers of "I don't give a shit" voters???

shopaholic01

MadsL wrote: »

I'm a bit confused by the high level of Atari Jaguar votes in this poll. Large numbers of "I don't give a shit" voters???

Mention that some strains of HPV cause genital warts, and that like herpes they can crop up again and again.

MadsL

shopaholic01 wrote: »

Mention that some strains of HPV cause genital warts, and that like herpes they can crop up again and again.

You just did.

shopaholic01

MadsL wrote: »

You just did.

Indeed, I'm very helpful.

You're welcome. :P

MadsL

Some very direct language about it on the HSE website.

Why is the vaccine given to girls only?
The HPV vaccine is being given to girls to protect them from cervical cancer which does not affect males.

Can the vaccine be given to boys?
HPV vaccines have also been shown to be effective in preventing infection in men. Some countries, e.g. Australia and USA, already recommend routine vaccination for boys. This is not recommended in Ireland at present.

The question loudly begged is why?

Genital warts are the most commonly transmitted STI in the UK, and I presume Ireland. Here is a simple way to protect boys from infection. Yet...

Lyssa

MadsL wrote: »

Some very direct language about it on the HSE website.



The question loudly begged is why?

Genital warts are the most commonly transmitted STI in the UK, and I presume Ireland. Here is a simple way to protect boys from infection. Yet...

It all boils down to costs... :rolleyes:
But, I would like to see a breakdown of cost between the vaccine, and preventable cases of cancer or genital warts or whatever that the health service are paying for treatment for....

Gatling

Where did genital warts come from

shopaholic01

MadsL wrote: »

Some very direct language about it on the HSE website.



The question loudly begged is why?

Genital warts are the most commonly transmitted STI in the UK, and I presume Ireland. Here is a simple way to protect boys from infection. Yet...

Cost mainly.

Perhaps a view that homosexual sex is 'wrong'? Protect girls and then you won't have female to male transmission.

Ireland usually lags behind other countries and forward thinking would hardly be a strong point of the HSE.

Yes, it should be offered to both males and females, at a subsidised rate if necessary to ensure all are vaccinated.

Lyssa

Gatling wrote: »

Where did genital warts come from

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/humanpapillomavirus.htm

The most visible forms of the virus produce warts (papilloma's) on the hands, arms, legs, and other areas of the skin. Most HPV's of this type are very common, harmless, non cancerous, and easily treatable. Genital warts are known technically as condylomata acuminatum and are generally associated with two HPV types, numbers 6 and 11.

The Corinthian

My understanding is that HPV is most commonly passed via sexual intercourse.

Now while there may be more cases overall (debatable) of illnesses that affect women than men as a result of HPV, I would have thought that targeting men rather than women would more sense if intercourse is the primary means of transmission - after all, whether hetro or homosexual you need a penis for intercourse (I suspect strap-on isn't a danger).

So while I'd agree that only one gender has been selected of vaccination for budgetary reasons, I'd question why girls were selected as that gender, as it seems not to make logical sense.

Unless there was some lobbying in the background, which I wouldn't be overly surprised at.

shopaholic01

Gatling wrote: »

Where did genital warts come from

They come from some strains of HPV, not all strains cause cancer.

MadsL

Response from James Reilly to a parliamentary question.

James Reilly wrote:

International studies and scientific assessments suggest that the best way to prevent most disease due to HPV is to vaccinate as many girls and women as possible. Routine vaccination is not recommended for boys. According to research carried out by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the burden of disease associated with HPV 16/18 in males is small, as it is related to some anogenital and head and neck cancers and the efficacy of vaccines for the prevention of these relatively rare cancers is not yet known. Following an evaluation of the HPV vaccine in the Irish context, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommended that all girls of 12 years of age should be offered HPV vaccination.

This despite the fact that the vaccine IS licenced for boys in the UK.

Gatling

What's the big deal

2 countries out of how many do it so we should ,

Try proper sex education first

MadsL

Gatling wrote: »

What's the big deal

2 countries out of how many do it so we should ,

Try proper sex education first

Abstinence is it?

shopaholic01

Gatling wrote: »

What's the big deal

2 countries out of how many do it so we should ,

Try proper sex education first

Condoms only provide limited protection, and HPV is not detected in STI screening.

You have 2 choices: vaccination or abstinence. What would you prefer?

Gatling

MadsL wrote: »

Abstinence is it?

Expensive vaccines and knee jerk reaction's isn't the way

shopaholic01

Gatling wrote: »

Expensive vaccines and knee jerk reaction's isn't the way

There isn't an alternative.

MadsL

Gatling wrote: »

Expensive vaccines and knee jerk reaction's isn't the way

A big "Fuck You" to gay men is the way?

Amirani

The Corinthian wrote: »

So while I'd agree that only one gender has been selected of vaccination for budgetary reasons, I'd question why girls were selected as that gender, as it seems not to make logical sense.

Other than oral sex. But yes, if intercourse is the primary means of transmission, then it would make more sense for males to be immunised.