HPV Myths & Facts

Fact: HPV is extremely common.
Most adults will have it at some point, often without ever knowing it. In men, certain strains can lead to oropharyngeal (throat) cancer years later—long after the original infection.

Dad analogy:
If HPV were a household item, it’d be duct tape: everywhere and involved in more things than you realize.

Fact: HPV affects everyone.
While it’s well-known for causing cervical cancer, HPV is now the leading cause of throat cancer in men—especially cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue.

Why it matters:
Men often don’t get screened for HPV-related disease, making awareness crucial.

Fact: You probably wouldn’t.
Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own. High-risk strains can linger silently for years before causing cellular changes.

Translation:
It’s basically the ninja of viruses—silent, sneaky, and surprising.

Fact: HPV is extremely easy to transmit.
It spreads through skin-to-skin and intimate contact. You can have one partner or many—it doesn’t matter. HPV isn’t about behavior; it’s about exposure, and exposure is common.

Stigma-buster:
HPV says nothing about lifestyle, morality, or personal choices. Full stop.

Fact: HPV-related cancers often respond very well to treatment.
These cancers have some of the highest cure rates in head and neck oncology, especially when caught early.

Hope matters:
Treatment is tough—but outcomes are strong.

Fact: There is something: the HPV vaccine.
It’s highly effective at preventing the cancer-causing strains of HPV. It’s recommended for preteens, teens, and young adults—up to age 26, and in some cases, up to age 45.

Bonus:
Parents who vaccinate their kids are basically future-proofing them against one of the most preventable cancers. That’s A+ parenting.

Fact: HPV-related throat cancer often starts with no symptoms.
Early warning signs can be subtle—like a neck lump or mild, persistent throat irritation. If something feels off, it’s worth a medical evaluation.

Dad reminder:
Ignoring symptoms isn’t bravery—it’s procrastination with consequences.

Fact: Talking about HPV saves lives.
HPV isn’t a taboo topic—it’s a health topic. Reducing stigma helps people get diagnosed earlier, ask better questions, and get appropriate care.

Our take:
If we can’t talk openly about a virus that most of us get, we’re doing public health wrong.