Vaccine urged as HPV-related cancer cases become more common among men

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The University of Kansas Hospital says half of Americans have HPV, or the Human Papilloma Virus.

Even though most people don't see any health problems, the hospital says it is causing a growing number of men to get cancer in the back of their throat.

A National Cancer Institute study shows the number of people with HPV-related cancer more than tripled between 1984 and 2004.

There is no treatment for men with HPV, and that's why doctors are encouraging all men to get vaccinated.

The vaccine is available for males between 9 and 26-years-old. Pharmacists recommend getting vaccinated before you become sexually active. Individuals require three doses over a six-month period.

Recently more insurance companies have started to cover the HPV vaccine for men and doctors are optimistic even more will cover it by the end of 2012.

The out-of-pocket cost for the HPV vaccine for men varies depending where you go. A doctor’s office on the Country Club Plaza charges $200 per vaccine.