Almost two in three Irish people are unaware that men and women are at equal risk of becoming infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a recent survey has found.

HPV is a common virus that almost all sexually active people will get at some stage in their lives. There are over 100 types of HPV infection and most are harmless and will clear up by themselves. However some HPV infections can cause HPV-related cancers, such as cervical cancer and anal cancer.

Up to 100 women and 30 men die every year in Ireland from HPV-related cancers.

However, according to the survey, 63% of people do not realise that both men and women are at equal risk of HPV infection. Furthermore, 89% of men do not realise that they are likely to get HPV infection at some stage.

"HPV is responsible for a number of cancers in men and women and it is worrying to see such low levels of awareness, especially when it is possible to prevent certain types of HPV infection that could cause certain cancers.

"HPV infection is most common in people in their late teens and early 20s and we know that HPV infection rates are rising rapidly among women and men in high income countries like Ireland," commented Prof Ray O'Sullivan, a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny.

Currently in Ireland, the National HPV Immunisation Programme offers vaccination to all girls in their first year of secondary school. However, current uptake of this vaccine is just 62% nationally.

"It is important to raise awareness of cancers caused by HPV in men as well as women and your source of information is equally important. Wherever you look for health advice, whether it's your friend or Facebook, ensure that the information is coming from a reputable source. I would always recommend talking to a healthcare professional for health information," commented Cork-based GP, Dr Nick Flynn.

Also commenting on the findings, Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, described the lack of awareness that both men and women are at risk as ‘concerning'.

"It is critical that people know that HPV infection doesn't discriminate between males and females. Globally, 84 countries have National HPV Immunisation Programmes. Canada, Australia, Switzerland, the US, Austria, Czech Republic and Italy are among those that routinely offer HPV vaccination to both boys and girls.

"In Ireland, it's incredibly important for parents to realise that immunisation can help to protect their children from types of HPV that can cause cancers," she said.

The survey was commissioned by MSD Ireland and involved 1,000 adults.