How Do People Get HPV?
HPV spreads through close physical and intimate contact. You don’t need symptoms. You don’t need visible sores. You don’t need to “do anything unusual.”
Translation:
If you’re a human who has ever been physically close to another human, you’re in the club.
Why Does HPV Matter for Men?
Because HPV is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in men, particularly cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue.
These cancers often develop quietly over many years. Symptoms are subtle. Early detection can make a huge difference.
But awareness? Historically low.
(We’re here to fix that.)
Does HPV Always Lead to Cancer?
No. Most HPV infections clear on their own thanks to the immune system doing its thing.
But when high-risk strains stick around for years, they can start messing with the normal controls inside throat or cervical cells. Over time, that can lead to abnormal growth—and eventually, cancer.
Think of it like this:
A lingering HPV infection is like letting a toddler loose with a Sharpie.
Not always a problem… until it is.
HPV-Positive Cancers Respond Well to Treatment
Here’s one of the most encouraging facts: HPV-related throat cancers respond very well to treatments like chemoradiation.
That doesn’t make the journey easy, but it does make it hopeful.
Can HPV Be Prevented? Yes—With the Vaccine.
The HPV vaccine protects against the strains most likely to cause cancer.
It’s recommended for:
- Preteens
- Teens
- Young adults (up to 26)
- Some adults up to age 45 (talk to your doctor)
It’s safe, effective, and one of the biggest “why didn’t we have this decades ago?” breakthroughs in cancer prevention.
Pro tip for parents:
Getting your kids vaccinated is basically sending cancer an eviction notice before it ever shows up.