Make Movember Count: HPV-Related Cancers Affect Men, Too

It’s grow time, gentlemen! Movember brings us an opportunity to raise awareness of various conditions affecting men, notably prostate and testicular cancer. Over the years, we have also begun focusing on how mental health disorders impact men, too. While these conditions are extremely important, and still require us to lean in and learn more, a lesser-known but rapidly rising concern is HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. The truth is, this type of throat cancer has seen a significant increase in men due to HPV, but awareness lags far behind. This Movember, let’s not shy away from talking about this any longer. 

The cancers we don’t talk about enough

Men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer get much of the spotlight—and rightly so. But oropharyngeal cancer deserves our attention too. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is actually increasing faster in men than in women, largely due to how HPV, especially the high-risk HPV-16 strain, can spread through oral contact. This growing rate of HPV-related cancer in the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils is a call to action to know the risks, take steps to prevent them, and spread the word. There is no better time to do this than in Movember. 

The silent cancer

While HPV is commonly discussed in the context of cervical cancer, the virus doesn’t discriminate based on gender. For men, the virus can stay dormant for years, causing cellular changes over time that may eventually lead to oropharyngeal cancer. Because of this, men may be unaware of the risks they carry, highlighting the need for everyone—regardless of gender—to understand HPV’s impact. 

The silent progression of oropharyngeal cancer cells is one reason HPV can be so concerning. Without symptoms, many men have no idea they’re carrying the virus or that they may be at risk. While women are keeping up with their pap smears and HPV screening, it can be more difficult for men to be adequately screened and assessed for HPV related cancers, especially of the throat. The signs of oropharyngeal cancer, such as a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck, often only appear once the cancer has progressed. This delay in diagnosis can make the disease more challenging to treat effectively. 

This isn’t to create fear, but rather to serve as a reminder to us all, that the effects of high risk HPV go beyond what we typically hear discussed in the health and wellness space, and they highlight the importance of awareness and prevention – beyond just the month of November. 

It’s not all bad news

The truth is, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is mostly preventable. Explore options with your family physician to help protect yourself, including a discussion around vaccination and routine healthcare check-ups to help with early detection. 

At Papillex, we have always believed in the power of education as a form of prevention. Learning about HPV-related risks and advocating for regular screenings can help save lives. Additionally, supporting your body through adequate nutrition such as a diet high in antioxidants, minerals like zinc and magnesium, lots of fruits and veggies, whole-food sources of protein and complex carbohydrates are all excellent ways to support the body in addition to adequate prevention and screening measures. 

Mustache or not, let’s spread awareness this Movember

Supporting men’s health goes beyond just growing a mustache. This Movember, let’s start meaningful conversations around HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and other cancers affecting men. 

Here are some impactful ways to get involved:

1. Talk about HPV-related cancers with friends and family

Okay, so it’s not your typical dinner table conversation – but talking about HPV-related cancers helps to break the stigma and can be the reason your friend or family member gets tested. You can play a role in saving the life of someone you love and that is worth the initial awkward conversation starter. 

2. Encourage regular health screenings

Regular check-ups can catch issues earlier on, whether it’s related to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. Remember, the most concerning part of oropharyngeal cancers is the latency of symptoms. The silent symptoms mean that the disease is progressing without us knowing, which means intervention is often too late. This is why regular health screenings are so important. 

We suggest requesting screenings from your physician. There is currently no standard screening for HPV in men, which makes this a bit of a challenge. Because of this, it is important to know your risks and talk with your doctor about prevention strategies. Have your physician assess for lesions on the oropharynx as well. 

3. Break the silence around men’s health

Men’s health shouldn’t be a hidden topic. By starting conversations and breaking stigmas, we can encourage more men to take proactive steps in their healthcare. This requires us all, women too – to get educated, encourage the men in our lives and advocate for better screening and more research and funding to go into HPV related cancers. 

Let’s make this Movember count

Movember is a powerful reminder that men’s health deserves our attention, too. Oropharyngeal cancer and other HPV-related health concerns affect men worldwide, yet few of us are talking about it. By raising awareness, supporting prevention, and encouraging screenings, we can make a difference. This Movember, let’s stand together in support of men’s health. Each conversation, each act of support, and each step toward prevention matters.