The Vaccine Your Teenage Son Needs but Doesn’t Know It
As a parent, there are few things more terrifying than the threat of cancer. Watching your child struggle with the physical and emotional toll of this devastating disease is a nightmare that no one wants to face. However, there is a silent killer lurking in the shadows that affects not just women, but men and boys as well. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is responsible for causing cervical and other cancers, and the alarming truth is that one in three Indian boys unknowingly carry it.
This shocking statistic was revealed at a recent conclave in Hyderabad, where doctors and experts gathered to sound the alarm about the widespread prevalence of HPV and the urgent need for vaccination. The frightening reality is that HPV is not just a women’s health issue, but a threat to the health and well-being of both men and women.
HPV is a highly contagious virus that is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, making it a common occurrence in teenagers and young adults. The virus can cause abnormal cell growth, leading to the development of cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. In fact, HPV is responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
The stakes are particularly high for Indian boys, who are at a significantly higher risk of contracting HPV than girls. This is due in part to the country’s cultural and social norms, which often prioritize the health and well-being of girls over boys. As a result, boys are often left in the dark about the dangers of HPV and the importance of vaccination.
But it’s not just a matter of boys being left out of the loop. The low vaccination and screening rates for HPV in India are a major concern. According to recent statistics, only about 30% of Indian girls and women have received the HPV vaccine, and even fewer boys have been vaccinated.
This lack of awareness and vaccination is not only putting the health of Indian boys at risk, but it’s also perpetuating the spread of HPV. When boys are infected with HPV, they can transmit the virus to girls and women, putting them at risk of developing cancer.
So, what can be done to address this public health crisis? Experts are urging policymakers to take immediate action to include HPV vaccination in the national immunization program. They are also calling for increased awareness and education campaigns to inform boys and their parents about the dangers of HPV and the importance of vaccination.
But it’s not just up to policymakers to take action. As parents, we have a critical role to play in protecting our children’s health. We need to educate ourselves about the risks of HPV and the importance of vaccination, and we need to take action to ensure that our sons are protected.
So, what can you do to protect your teenage son? First and foremost, educate yourself about HPV and the vaccine. Learn about the risks and benefits of the vaccine, and understand the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of HPV.
Next, talk to your son about HPV and the importance of vaccination. Many boys may not be aware of the risks of HPV, and they may not understand the importance of vaccination. By having an open and honest conversation with your son, you can help him understand the risks and make informed decisions about his health.
Finally, encourage your son to get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective, and it’s the best way to protect against HPV-related cancers. As a parent, you have the power to make a difference in your son’s health, and by getting him vaccinated, you can help prevent the spread of HPV and protect him from the risks of cancer.
In conclusion, HPV is a silent killer that affects not just women, but men and boys as well. The alarming truth is that one in three Indian boys unknowingly carry this virus, and the lack of vaccination and screening rates is putting the health of our children at risk. As parents, we have a critical role to play in protecting our children’s health, and by educating ourselves and our sons about HPV and the vaccine, we can make a difference.
Source: https://thesouthfirst.com/health/the-vaccine-your-teenage-son-needs-but-doesnt-know-it/
