Norway: HPV-related cancer rates rising among men

A survey conducted by Norstat for the Norwegian Cancer Society reveals a significant knowledge gap among men regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV). While one in three Norwegian men are aware that HPV can cause cervical cancer in women, only two in ten know the virus can also cause cancer in men.

Data from the Cancer Registry shows a marked increase in HPV-related cancers in men over the last 25 years. Oropharyngeal cancer cases have nearly tripled, rising from 370 to 1,047. Anal cancer cases have more than doubled, from 203 to 407, and penile cancer has increased from 98 to 163.

The Norwegian Cancer Society is advocating for free HPV vaccines for men up to age 26 and for those in high-risk groups. Although boys were included in the childhood vaccination program in 2018, very few men over the age of 21 have been vaccinated. The proposal for free vaccines aligns with recommendations from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.