Can HPV cause any other kinds of cancer besides cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer (which the American Cancer Society says affected an estimated 11,150 women in 2007) is by far the most significant concern. However, high-risk types of HPV also have been linked to less-common cancers of the vulva (3,490 women), vagina (2,140 women), anus (2,750 women and 1,900 men) and penis (1,280 men). Some research also has suggested a link between high-risk types of HPV and other cancers, such as oral (mouth and throat) cancer. However, these other HPV-related cancers are still being investigated and are thought to be relatively rare.
Cervical cancer (which the American Cancer Society says will occur in an estimated 9,710 women this year) is by far the most significant concern. However, high-risk types of HPV also have been linked to less-common cancers of the vagina (2,420 women), vulva (3,740), anus and, in men, penis (1,530). [Anal cancer is included in the numbers for vulvar cancer for women and penile cancer for men.] Some research also has suggested a link between high-risk types of HPV and other cancers, such as oral (mouth and throat) cancer. However, these other HPV-related cancers are still being investigated and are thought to be relatively rare. How common is HPV? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that as many as 80 percent of women will get a genital type of HPV by the age of 50. However, most of those infections go away or are suppressed by the body within one to two years, without causing any problems that require treatment. How do you get HPV? The types of HPV that cau
