Understanding HPV-Related Cancers: Key Facts and Early Warning Signs
Explore the connection between HPV and various cancers, learn about early symptoms, risk factors, and effective prevention strategies to protect your health.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) encompasses over 150 strains, but only a select few are linked to cancer development. Most HPV infections resolve naturally without causing harm.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly everyone will encounter HPV during their lifetime, and over 90% of infections clear without intervention, as noted by Dr. Michelle Forcier, a gender-affirming healthcare expert with FOLX.
Annually, HPV contributes to approximately 36,000 cancer cases in the U.S., while around 13 million new HPV infections occur each year. In 2018, an estimated 43 million Americans were living with HPV.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among individuals assigned female at birth, with over 95% of cases linked to HPV.
Early Signs
Early cervical cancer often presents without symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that people with a cervix undergo screening between ages 25 and 65 through:
- HPV testing every 5 years
- Combined HPV and Pap smear testing every 5 years
- Pap smear alone every 3 years
When symptoms arise, they may include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, and pelvic discomfort.
Risk Factors
HPV strains 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly half of high-grade cervical precancers. Vaccines targeting these strains are pivotal in prevention, explains Dr. Lyndsey Harper, OB-GYN and sexual wellness advocate.
Additionally, individuals with HIV face up to five times greater risk of cervical cancer.
Oropharyngeal Cancers
These cancers affect the throat's back region, including the tongue base and tonsils, and are relatively rare.
HPV accounts for 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. Oral HPV transmission can occur through oral sex with an infected partner.
Early Symptoms
Initial signs may be absent. When present, symptoms include mouth or throat warts, bleeding, sore throat, pain when speaking, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, earaches, and unexplained weight loss.
Additional Risks
Tobacco use and alcohol consumption significantly heighten oropharyngeal cancer risk, potentially interacting with HPV infection.
Anal Cancer
Though uncommon, about 90% of anal cancer cases are linked to HPV.
Symptoms
Symptoms can mimic hemorrhoids or anal fissures and include itching, rectal bleeding, discharge, pain, bowel control loss, and lumps near the anus.
Risk Factors
Increased risk is associated with anal warts, prior cervical or vaginal cancers, HIV infection, receptive anal sex, tobacco use, and weakened immunity.
Penile Cancer
HPV causes approximately 60% of penile cancer cases. Currently, no HPV screening tests exist for people with penises, making early detection reliant on symptom awareness.
Early Indicators
Look for skin thickening, color changes, lumps, rashes, or urethral discharge and bleeding.
Risk Factors
Being uncircumcised, age over 49, immunosuppression, psoriasis treatments, and tobacco use may elevate risk.
Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers
Both are rare, with vulvar cancer constituting 0.7% of cancers in those assigned female at birth. HPV causes over half of vaginal cancers and up to 70% of vulvar cancers.
Symptoms
Vulvar cancer often presents as changes in skin color or texture. Vaginal cancer symptoms include painful urination, pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, and watery discharge.
Risk Factors
History of vulvar or vaginal conditions, age over 40, HIV, melanoma history, prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol, immunosuppression, and tobacco use increase risk.
Prevention Tips
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against HPV-related cancers. Using barrier protection during sexual activity, especially with partners of unknown STI status, further reduces risk.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding tobacco and managing HIV effectively also contributes to lowering cancer risks.
Conclusion
While HPV is linked to several cancers, most infections resolve without causing disease. Early detection through regular screenings and vaccination significantly improves outcomes for those affected.
As Dr. Harper emphasizes, "HPV often behaves like a common cold, with the immune system clearing it naturally. Only a small fraction of cases progress to cancer, which is highly treatable when detected early."
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a queer sex educator and wellness journalist dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their health. Her work has been featured in numerous leading health and lifestyle publications. Outside of writing, Gabrielle enjoys CrossFit coaching, hiking with her border collie, and co-hosting the podcast Bad In Bed. Follow her on Instagram @Gabriellekassel.
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