New Study Shows a Dramatic Drop in Cervical Pre-Cancers
A new study has found a dramatic drop in the rates of cervical pre-cancers among young adult women. This is great news and further proof that the HPV vaccine is working.
STIs and Cancer
There are a number of risk factors for cancer; increasingly of interest to researchers is the link between cancer and viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Some sexually transmitted infections are among those that can increase the risk for developing certain cancers:
- HPV, or human papillomavirus, is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, but it can cause other types of cancers as well. HPV is thought to be responsible for more than 90% of anal cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and 60% of penile cancers. About 60% to 70% of cancers of the oropharynx (back of the throat) may be linked to HPV as well. One important way to prevent HPV-related cancer is to get vaccinated against HPV.
- Chronic hepatitis B infection can cause complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and even lead to liver cancer. The good news is that hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination. While not common, hepatitis C can be spread through vaginal or anal sex and infections can also cause liver cancer.
- HIV patients are susceptible to several cancers including Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer targeting the lining of blood vessels
It’s important to note that most individuals with these infections won’t develop cancer but it’s a good idea to learn more about how to reduce your risk and take care of yourself. Both HPV and hepatitis B are preventable through vaccines, for example. Talk with your healthcare provider to see which vaccinations, tests and exams might be recommended for you.
The National Cancer Institute fact sheet is also a good resource to learn more about the link between infectious agents and cancer.
More to Explore
What You Need to Know About the HPV Self-Collection Test
There’s a new way to screen for cervical cancer. With self-collection, you can take a sample of cells from your vagina. You still have to go to your provider’s office, but there’s no pelvic exam, stirrups, or speculum involved.
HPV Vaccination Rates Among Teens Not Going Up
For the second year in a row, HPV vaccination rates among teens have not gone up according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
HPV-Related Cancer in Men — Stories from Survivors
We know that one important way to raise awareness about HPV-related cancer in men is by sharing stories of those who have experienced it. Here we share stories from three men on their experiences with HPV-related cancer.
Talking to Your Family and Friends about Your Cancer
It can be difficult to talk to family and friends about any cancer diagnosis. It can be helpful to have a team of friends and family for support, but you are in charge of who you tell and how much you tell them.
Dr. Joel Palefsky Answers Our Questions About Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is a rare cancer, but cases have been on the rise in recent years. Dr. Joel Palefsky answers questions on anal cancer screening and the recent ANCHOR trial.
Dr. Michael Moore Answers Our Questions About HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancers
HPV-related throat cancer is now the most common HPV-related cancer in the U.S. Learn more about symptoms, treatment, and prevention from D r. Michael Moore.
HPV-Related Cancer in Men
About 4 out of 10 HPV-related cancers occur in men, which means that about 15,000 men get cancers caused by HPV each year.