HPV-related cancers

Transmitted through sexual contact, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer, and mouth and throat cancers; it can also settle in the genital area and lead to the formation of warts.

Cancer can develop years or even decades after the virus has been contracted. HPV settles in normal cells in the genital area, especially the cervix, and years later may cause changes in the cells. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing in which patients cancer will develop after contact. HPV-related cancers also develop in people with a normal immune system; the main risk is the persistence of high-risk HPV.

Number of HPV-related cancers in the USA each year
Cancer	Number of female cases	Number of male cases
Mouth and throat	2,200	11,800
Cervical	11,000	0
Anus	4,400	2,100
Vulva	2,800	0
Penis	0	900
Vagina	700	0
Total	21,100	14,800

The infection can stay silent for years

HPV is transmitted from skin to skin through sexual intercourse (sexual contact). Actual sexual intercourse is not required for transmission. In some cases HPV can remain silent for years. For this reason, it may not be possible to know when or from whom the disease was contracted. There is no evidence that HPV can be transmitted through toilet seats, door handles, towels, soap, swimming pools or bathtubs. However, it is known that non-sexual routes are possibly involved in the formation of some unexplained HPV lesions. For example, "non-genital" HPV types can be seen in the genital area in young children.

The most effective protection is provided by vaccination

Circumcision is known to prevent the disease by 25%, and condom use by 70%. The most effective way to protect against HPV is to be vaccinated. The HPV vaccine can reduce HPV-related cancers by 90%. For this reason, it is recommended that HPV vaccines be given at around 11-12 years of age, before contact with the virus.

Smoking makes the disease progress

Catching HPV does not mean you have cancer. In 90% of patients who get this infection, the virus can be cleared from the body within 1-2 years. The most important factor in clearing an HPV infection from the body is the body's immune system. In people with a suppressed immune system, the carcinogenic effect of HPV infection is greater. Factors such as smoking, long-term use of birth control pills and chlamydia infection can cause the disease to progress rapidly and turn into cancer.

Among the cancers caused by HPV, only cervical cancer is recommended to be screened for with early diagnosis. Anal cancer screening is also recommended for people living with HIV, men who have sex with men (MSM), organ transplant recipients, and those with a history of vulvar cancer or precursor lesions. Other types of cancer caused by HPV may not be detected until they cause more serious health problems. The HPV vaccine prevents the infections that cause these cancers.

REMEMBER!

1. Early diagnosis of HPV allows early intervention and saves lives!
2. You can protect yourself against cervical cancer with the HPV test!
3. Do not smoke, eat healthily!
4. Get the HPV vaccine!