HPV Symptoms, test & vaccine information Singapore
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Our bodies are
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Find out how to protect yourself
against HPV today.

Our bodies are
incredible machines

Find out how to protect yourself
against HPV today.

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HPV in Men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses comprising over 100 different strains.3 Among these, 40 HPV strains infect genital areas, with some strains carrying a larger risk than others.3

Low-risk HPVs

Low-risk HPVs typically cause no symptoms.4 About 90% of genital warts are caused by non-cancerous HPV types 6 and 11.3,4 Other HPV strains cause warts on the skin of different body areas.4

High-risk HPVs

High-risk HPV strains are associated with cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer in women, and an increased risk of HPV-related cancers in men.3 Among these, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.3

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). Approximately 80% of men and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime.9 Although HPV typically poses fewer health risks in men than in women, preventing HPV in men will reduce their risk of transmitting HPV to their partners.13

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About HPV

HPV in Singapore

How is HPV transmitted?

What are the signs of HPV?

Are men affected by HPV?

Is HPV Treatable?

In Singapore, the prevalence of HPV is highest in women aged 20–24, with one-fifth infected with high-risk HPVs (HPV- 51, 16, 52, 58, 66).11 In 2020, an estimated 309 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, mostly among those aged 15-45, while 172 succumbed to the disease.12 On the other hand, about 38 men were diagnosed with anal cancer.12

HPV prevention

Men can play a vital role in combatting HPV. Take steps to lower your risk of contracting HPV and HPV-related diseases.

The HPV vaccine helps protect against certain HPV strains associated with genital warts and HPV-related cancers.<sup>13</sup> It can be given to children as young as 9 years and adults up to age 45, and is most effective when given before being sexually active.<sup>3</sup>

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine helps protect against certain HPV strains associated with genital warts and HPV-related cancers.13 It can be given to children as young as 9 years and adults up to age 45, and is most effective when given before being sexually active.3
Condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV as they do not cover the entire genital area.<sup>13</sup> However, using them correctly can reduce the risk of HPV infections and other STIs.<sup>13</sup>

Safe sex

Condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV as they do not cover the entire genital area.13 However, using them correctly can reduce the risk of HPV infections and other STIs.13
Currently, the CDC does not recommend routine testing (also called ‘screening’) for HPV in men. CDC also does not recommend routine testing for diseases from HPV before there are signs or symptoms in men.<sup>14</sup>

Regular check-ups

Currently, the CDC does not recommend routine testing (also called ‘screening’) for HPV in men. CDC also does not recommend routine testing for diseases from HPV before there are signs or symptoms in men.14

Speak to your doctor today

Help protect yourself and others against the spread of HPV.
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1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basic Information About Cervical Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm. Accessed 7 December 2022.

2 de Martel C, Plummer M, Vignat J, Franceschi S. Worldwide burden of cancer attributable to HPV by site, country and HPV type. Int J Cancer. 2017;141(4):664.

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/hpv.htm. Accessed 5 December 2022.

4 Cancer.Net. HPV and Cancer. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/hpv-and-cancer. Accessed 5 December 2022.

5 ICO HPV Information Centre. Singapore human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2021. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/SGP_FS.pdf. Accessed 6 December 2022.

6 National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer. Accessed 5 December 2022.

7 American Cancer Society. HPV and Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-cancer-info.html. Accessed 5 December 2022.

8 American Cancer Society. Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html. Accessed 7 December 2022.

9 National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. HPV (Human Papillomavirus). https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/hpv/. Accessed 2 December 2022.

10 National Cervical Cancer Coalition. HPV and Relationships. https://www.nccc-online.org/hpvcervical-cancer/hpv-and-relationships/. Accessed 7 December 2022.

11 Tay SK, Oon LLE. Prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus infection in healthy women is related to sexual behaviours and educational level: A cross-sectional study. Int J STD AIDS. 2014;25(14):1013-1021.

12 Bruni L, Albero G, Serrano B, et al. ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases in Singapore. Summary Report 22 October 2021. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/SGP.pdf?t=1641992267398. Accessed 5 December 2022.

13 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STD Facts - HPV and Men. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm. Accessed December 2, 2022.

14 Jemal A, Simard EP, Dorell C, et al. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2009, featuring the burden and trends in human papillomavirus(HPV)-associated cancers and HPV vaccination coverage levels. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013;105(3):175-201.

15 Moscicki AB, Palefsky JM. HPV in men: An update. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2011;15(3): 231-234.

16 Giuliano AR, Viscidi R, Torres BN, et al. Seroconversion following anal and genital HPV infection in men: The HIM study. Papillomavirus Res. 2015;1:109-115.