Why HPV vaccination isn’t just for women | CNN

A vaccine long framed as protection against cervical cancer in women is now showing clear benefits for men. Boys and young men who received the human papilloma virus, or HPV, vaccine had about half the risk of developing related cancers compared with those who were unvaccinated, according to a large new study published in JAMA Oncology. That’s why parents and young men should know more about what HPV is and what cancers it’s linked to. Why is the HPV vaccine important for boys and young men, and when should they receive it? What should parents be considering as they debate whether to give their children this vaccine? What is HPV? What you should know about vaccines, symptoms and cancer risks To help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner. CNN: What is HPV, and how common is it in boys and men? Dr. Leana Wen: HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. The vast majority of those who are sexually active will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. This appli