In a recent research, the scientists have discovered a link between HPV virus and a variety of cancers in the head and neck, and the urinary-genital tract. This has helped them in concluding that the HPV vaccine which is essentially known for treating cervical cancer can also treat other cancers caused due to the virus.

Dr. Glenn Bauman, Chairman of Oncology at the University of Western Ontario faculty of medicine said that the HPV vaccine is has usually been given to teenage girls till date, may also prove beneficial for the boys.

According to the experts, the HPV virus causes 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts in people.

In Canada, cervical cancer is second most widespread cancer in women falling in the age group of 20 to 44 years.

"I think the tip of the iceberg is this whole HPV connection with cancer", said Dr. Bauman. However, HPV doesn't really cause prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men.

A McGill University study on the heterosexual couples has observed that nearly half of the young adults involved in new sexual relationships are infected with HPV.