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Despite being a crucial tool in preventing several types of cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is still subject to widespread myths and misinformation. Common misconceptions include the false belief that the vaccine encourages early sexual activity or causes serious adverse effects, such as infertility. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence and contribute to lower vaccination rates.
HPV is a virus that often presents no symptoms, yet it is responsible for serious illnesses, including cancers of the cervix, penis, anus, and oropharynx. Understanding the risks associated with HPV is critical for public health initiatives aimed at prevention and early detection.
According to data from the Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), Brazil estimates 17,000 cases and 7,209 deaths from cervical cancer annually, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the country. Penile cancer accounts for 2% of all cancers diagnosed in Brazil, and is more common in the North and Northeast regions, according to the Ministry of Health. These statistics highlight the significant impact of HPV-related cancers in Brazil.
In Brazil, the HPV vaccine is freely available for girls and boys aged 9 to 19, and also for priority groups with specific health conditions, such as those with compromised immune systems or victims of sexual assault, up to age 45. Despite this accessibility, misinformation continues to fuel vaccine hesitancy among parents.
Debunking Common Myths
Resistance to the vaccine often stems from misinformation. Mário Bochembuzio, a pediatrician and medical manager at the Instituto Butantan, states, “There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the HPV vaccine is linked to early sexual activity. On the contrary, it is a form of protection against serious diseases, such as cancer, that can affect people in adulthood.”
Another common myth is that the vaccine could cause cancer. “The vaccine not only prevents cancer, but also protects against HPV types directly linked to the development of cancers, such as cervical and penile cancer,” Bochembuzio explains. The vaccine contains Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) that lack genetic material and therefore cannot cause infection or cancer.
Confirmed Safety and Efficacy
Some also fear that the HPV vaccine causes serious side effects, such as seizures or infertility. However, studies show that these effects are extremely rare. Bochembuzio adds, “There is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine causes infertility or serious neurological reactions. Instead, it is a way to prevent much more serious complications, such as cancer, which can compromise reproductive health.”
Concerns about thrombosis or blood clots linked to the vaccine are also common. “Large-scale studies, such as one conducted in Denmark with 500,000 women, found no association between the HPV vaccine and an increased risk of thrombosis,” the doctor emphasizes.
The Importance of Vaccination
While some believe the HPV vaccine is only necessary for women, men should also be vaccinated. HPV is responsible for cancers of the penis, anus, and oropharynx, as well as genital warts. A 2023 study published in The Lancet Global Health revealed that one in three men over the age of 15 is infected with at least one type of genital HPV, with a significant portion of these infections being high-risk.
Vaccinating boys, therefore, not only protects their health but also contributes to reducing the spread of the virus and the risk of cancer throughout the community. “Vaccinating boys and girls is a collective strategy that can change the reality of HPV-associated cancer in the future,” Bochembuzio concludes.
