HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer
You have probably heard that HPV can cause cervical cancer. But did you know that it can also cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, and throat?
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
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—Understanding this Common Infection
There are over 100 different types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and other types can cause cancer, including cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis or anus, as well as cancer in the back of the throat.
Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Haven’t Rebounded After the Pandemic
The pandemic interrupted our regularly scheduled doctor’s visits and pushed off preventative care like Pap tests.
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.
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.