A new study shows that vaccinating 12-year-old boys against the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be a cost-effective strategy for preventing cancers that start at the back of the throat and mouth, and involve the tonsils and base of the tongue. The disease is known as oropharyngeal cancer.
Researchers used a statistical model and estimate that HPV vaccination could potentially save the healthcare system from $8 million to $28 million over the lifetime of those vaccinated by eliminating the future costs of treating the cancer.
In Canada, only Alberta and Prince-Edward-Island have put in place an HPV immunization programs for boys. The vaccine is more commonly given to girls to avoid them getting cervical and other cancers.
Original research paper published in CANCER on April 13, 2015.
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