Communication barriers also remain a key challenge
A new survey has found significant gaps in Canadians’ knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly among men and younger adults, even as rates of certain HPV-related cancers continue to climb.
The online survey, conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Merck Canada between March 6 and March 11, 2026, polled 1,000 Canadians aged 18 to 47. It examined awareness, perceptions, and understanding of HPV across age, gender, and regional groups, with a credibility interval of ±3.8 percentage points.
Among the survey’s most notable findings was a widespread lack of basic HPV knowledge among younger respondents. Fewer than half of adults aged 18 to 24 (just 49%) recognized HPV as a sexually transmitted infection, while about one-third of the same age group reported not knowing what HPV is at all.
Men fared similarly. Nearly one-third of male respondents (31%) said they did not know what HPV is, and close to half (45%) were unaware of any potential consequences of a persistent HPV infection. Men were also more likely than women to believe HPV was not a concern to them – 16% compared to 12%.
Gaps in awareness and communication
The survey also revealed a disconnect between cancer trends and public awareness. While throat cancer, also known as oropharyngeal cancer, is now the most common HPV-related cancer in Canada – affecting more men than women – 53% of respondents remained unaware that rates of certain HPV-related head and neck cancers are on the rise among men.
Men were also less likely than women to believe they had a role in reducing the risk of contracting or spreading HPV — 57% compared to 74% among women.
Beyond knowledge gaps, the survey explored communication barriers. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (71%) identified at least one obstacle to speaking with a health-care professional about HPV, citing a lack of information and feelings of embarrassment.
Matthew Thornhill, executive director of the Vaccines Business Unit at Merck Canada, said the findings point to a need for broader outreach.
“We’re seeing trends showing that men are less informed about HPV than their female counterparts, along with other findings suggesting they may feel less concerned or inclined to seek information about HPV,” Thornhill said. “Strengthening awareness, particularly among low-awareness groups, is an important step toward encouraging more informed action against HPV.”
According to Merck Canada, HPV is responsible for approximately 100% of cervical cancers and 60% to 73%of throat cancers.
Research presented at Public Health 2026, the annual meeting of the Canadian Public Health Association, revealed similar findings. It showed that about one quarter of respondents were unaware that or unsure of whether men can contract and spread HPV, about one third did not know a vaccine for HPV exists, and only about half were aware that HPV can cause cancer.
