Korean MSD Launches Campaign Highlighting HPV Cancer Risks
Korean MSD has launched a new advertising campaign to raise awareness about the seriousness of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the importance of vaccination with Gardasil 9. The campaign aims to educate the public about the increasing prevalence of HPV and its link to several types of cancer, emphasizing that prevention is key.
Recent data indicates a 32.8% increase in HPV prevalence within the country over the past four years. Worldwide, approximately two people die every minute from cancers related to HPV, underscoring the urgent need for preventative measures. This increase in cases highlights the growing public health concern surrounding HPV and the need for increased awareness and preventative strategies.
Gardasil 9 is a 9-valent HPV vaccine capable of preventing up to 96.7% of HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is approved for use in individuals aged 9 to 45, with particular emphasis on proactive vaccination for sexually active young adults and women under 45. The vaccine is available for both females, and males.
According to data from the ICO International HPV Related Lesion Project, 92% of cervical cancer cases in Korea are attributed to HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 – all of which are preventable with Gardasil 9. This finding reinforces the potential of the vaccine to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the country.
“We hope this campaign will provide a clearer understanding of the risks associated with HPV-related cancers through objective data that has been difficult to grasp until now,” said Albert Kim, CEO of Korean MSD. “Korean MSD will continue to contribute to the prevention and eradication of HPV-related cancers in Korea by continuously working to create a preventative environment.”
HPV is a virus that can infect both men and women, and up to 80% of sexually active adults may contract a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. The campaign, dubbed ‘HPV Fact Check,’ aims to deliver strong, objective information about the risks associated with HPV infection.
