This month the Canadian Pharmacists Assocation (CPhA) called on the federal government to expand vaccination against the “human papillomavirus” (HPV) to include boys and young men.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Canada. Approximately 3 out of 4 sexually active Canadians will be infected with HPV at some time in their life.
HPV infections cause 5% of all cancers worldwide and 70% of all cervical cancer cases, accounting for about 400 deaths per year in Canada. According to the World Health organization (WHO), there were an estimated 266,000 deaths worldwide due to cervical cancer, again the majority of which can be related to HPV. The WHO also says HPV infection is also responsible for genital warts, and some oropharyngeal, anal and penile cancers.
Dr. Lillian Siu, a senior medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, has treated oropharyngeal cancer that starts at the back of the throat and mouth for about 18 years, and has seen the incidence of the disease rise.
“We would see now about 80 per cent of our oropharyngeal cancer patients are what we call HPV positive,” said Siu. “It is a morbid disease so I think we have to spend some time thinking about how to prevent it.”
In its March 2007 budget, the federal government provided $300 million to the provinces and territories in support of a national HPV vaccination program for young women.
In a press release, Carlo Berardi, Chair, Canadian Pharmacists Association is quoted saying “Infectious diseases, such as HPV, continue to pose a significant threat to the health of Canadians.”
He added, “Immunization is the safest, most effective way to prevent, control and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. The evidence is clear: vaccination saves lives.”
A national programme of immunization for girls and young women was initiated in 2008 with the federal government providing $300 million to support the programme nationwide. However, in the absence of a national programme for males, the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Alberta have extended their coverage to young men. Countries like the US, Australia, and Austria also extend vaccinations to young men.
“The debate is over: HPV vaccinations for young men will save lives,” said Perry Eisenschmid, CEO, Canadian Pharmacists Association. “In addition, the long-term savings in treatment and care of men with HPV-related diseases would considerably outweigh the extra cost of enhancing the existing national strategy.”
The CPhA says it will be raising the issue in the upcoming federal election this fall.
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