Today (March 4th) is HPV Awareness Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can lead to various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancer, such as cervical, anal, and throat cancers. This day aims to educate people about the importance of HPV vaccination, regular screenings, and safe practices to prevent HPV-related diseases. It also seeks to reduce the stigma associated with HPV and encourage open conversations about sexual health¹.

Despite being largely preventable, HPV remains a significant health threat across Asia, with prevalence rates varying widely throughout the region. Some areas experience high rates of infection and related cancers². In this context, increasing HPV awareness, screening rates and vaccination efforts are crucial to addressing this public health challenge in the region³.

Experts agree that combating stigma is essential, particularly because HPV’s status and perception as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) complicates discussions about it in many Asian cultures. To effectively tackle this stigma, collaboration among diverse stakeholders and robust public education initiatives are critical.

David Winterflood, Director of NOMAN is an Island: Race to End HPV

David Winterflood, Director of NOMAN is an Island: Race to End HPV, reflects on the success of advocacy efforts in Europe, which could serve as a blueprint for Asia. In 2019, NOMAN supported the European HPV Action Network developed by the European Cancer Organization (ECO). This broad consortium of organisations and individuals from diverse backgrounds is united by the goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers in Europe. By uniting organisations, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experiences, the network fostered meaningful dialogue, normalized screening and vaccination, and dismantled misconceptions about HPV. One major milestone for the HPV Action Network was its publication of “Viral Protection: Achieving the Possible,” which helped to secure vaccination for boys and girls as a ‘flagship policy’ in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan published by the European Commission in 2021.

Winterflood identifies several barriers to HPV awareness in Asia, noting a widespread misconception that HPV affects only women. This view undermines men’s health and hinders open discussions about preventive measures like vaccination or conversations around safe practices to prevent HPV-related diseases. Cultural stigmas surrounding STIs further complicate these conversations.

Initiatives such as peer-led digital content, partnerships, and collaborations with influencers for public education have worked well in other regions for addressing this misconception. A notable example is the work with the Romanian Football Federation, which leveraged stadium advertisements to increase HPV awareness. The campaign in a traditional male space was successful in raising men’s awareness of HPV, and this approach could be tested and adapted for Asia where men are less aware of HPV and its relevant cancers⁴.

Peter Baker Advocacy, Director of Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH)

Peter Baker, Director of Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH), stresses the importance of normalising men’s health discussions, citing the positive impact of more informed media stories and public figures sharing their health experiences. He emphasizes the importance of targeted educational campaigns, workplace health initiatives, and improved training for healthcare providers as critical strategies to encourage preventive measures and early detection for HPV-related diseases.

Global Action on Men’s Health’s “Men & Cancer: A Charter for Action” lays out a comprehensive framework for improving men’s health outcomes globally. Its 10 action points call for sex-disaggregated data, equitable access to preventive care, and targeted initiatives for marginalised men. By integrating these recommendations into national cancer plans, Asia can address the unique challenges faced by its diverse male populations, from rural areas to underserved urban communities.

Dr Ronny Tan, President, Society for Men’s Health Singapore

Dr. Ronny Tan, President of the Society for Men’s Health Singapore, reinforces the critical role of public education in addressing broader cancer prevention and awareness for men. Despite accessible healthcare resources in Singapore, men often delay screenings for conditions like prostate cancer, which may have no early symptoms. Early intervention through health screening packages and proactive patient education could significantly improve outcomes. Dr. Tan advocates for public health campaigns that emphasize preventive care, making healthcare more relatable and accessible for men across Asia.

Equally important is the focus on women’s health. Cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV, remains a major health issue for women in Asia⁵. Public education campaigns intended for the women population, along with accessible vaccination and screening programs, are essential. Efforts to increase awareness about the importance of regular screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, can lead to early detection and better outcomes⁶. Collaboration among healthcare providers, women’s health organisations, and community leaders can help break down barriers and ensure that women receive the necessary information and resources to protect their health⁷.

Collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and public figures is key, and stakeholders at every level must work together to raise awareness and implement educational campaigns. By prioritizing HPV prevention, we can safeguard the health of future generations and minimise HPV-related cancers and diseases in Asia.

References:
¹ HPV Awareness Day 2024 | International HPV Awareness DayHPV Campaign
² Epidemiology, Incidence, Mortality of Cervical Cancer in Southeast Asia and their Relationship
³ World Health Organization. (2020). Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. WHO Document
⁴ Rashid S, Labani S, Das BC. Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude on HPV, HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer among the College Students in India. PLoS One. 2016 Nov 18;11(11):e0166713. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166713. PMID: 27861611; PMCID: PMC5115771. Link
⁵ Estimates of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in 2018: a worldwide analysis Arbyn, Marc et al. The Lancet Global Health, Volume 8, Issue 2, e191 – e203 Link
⁶ Ginsburg, O., et al. (2021). The Global Challenge of Women’s Cancer: A Call to Action. The Lancet Oncology, 22(3), e100-e108.
⁷ Koh, H. K., et al. (2015). The Role of Community Engagement in Public Health: The Case of Cancer Control. American Journal of Public Health, 105(S3), S380-S386.