April 17, 2026 — A large-scale population study published in JAMA Oncology on April 9, 2026, has found that the nine-valent HPV vaccine reduces the risk of HPV-related cancers in males by nearly half, reinforcing the importance of gender-neutral vaccination programs.
Researchers from Nara Prefecture General Medical Center in Japan analyzed health data from over 1 million males aged 9 to 26, comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated groups over a 10-year follow-up period. The study showed that receiving at least one dose of the nine-valent HPV vaccine was associated with a significant reduction in cancer risk.
vaccinated males had approximately 50% lower risk of developing HPV-related cancers compared to their unvaccinated peers. Protection was consistent across age groups, with a 42% risk reduction observed in boys aged 9 to 14 and a 50% reduction in those aged 15 to 26.
The findings highlight the vaccine’s role in preventing not only cervical cancer but also cancers affecting males, including oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers. HPV infection in males often goes undetected due to the absence of routine screening programs, making vaccination a critical preventive measure.
Experts note that vaccinating males provides direct protection while also reducing transmission to female partners, contributing to broader public health efforts to curb HPV-related diseases. The study supports expanding HPV vaccination recommendations to include all genders as a standard preventive strategy.
