What cancers can HPV cause?

HPV is incredibly common, and, in most cases, it goes away without causing any problems. But some high-risk strains can stay in the body for years and quietly increase the risk of certain cancers.

HPV has been connected with a wide variety of cancers, from cervical cancers to penile cancers and even throat cancers. But which ones, exactly?

HPV is a group of very common viruses that can affect the genital area, anus, mouth, and throat. Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives and never know it, because it often causes no symptoms.

However, sometimes HPV does cause symptoms. Most people will get what’s known as “low-risk” HPV. These strains, on rare occasions, can cause genital warts – cauliflower-like protrusions on or around the genitals. These growths aren’t itchy or painful, though they can, in very rare cases, grow so large that they can hinder urination or childbirth. These warts would need surgical removal.

Others are “high-risk”, causing abnormal cell changes that could develop into cancer over time.

Persistent high-risk HPV is linked to several types of cancer.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the cancer most closely associated with HPV. Nearly all cases are linked to persistent infection with two high-risk HPV strains (HPV 16 and HPV 18). These strains cause about 70-99% of cervical cancer cases.

Anal cancer

HPV 16 causes most cases of anal cancer – around 90%, leading to squamous cell carcinoma. You’re more likely to develop anal cancer from HPV if you smoke, have had HPV for a long time, or have developed a different kind of cancer caused by HPV.

Mouth and throat cancer

About 10% of men and 4% of women have oral HPV, with prevalence increasing with age. 60-70% of head and neck cancers are linked to HPV 16. Oropharyngeal cancer is a particular concern, where the virus causes abnormal cell growth in the part of the throat near the tonsils and the back of the tongue.

Penile cancer

Half of all penile cancers are linked to long-term infection with high-risk HPV. This is another reminder that HPV is not just a women’s health issue. Men can carry, transmit, and in some cases be affected by cancer-causing strains too, even when they have no obvious symptoms.

Vulval and vaginal cancer

HPV can also increase the risk of vulval and vaginal cancer. They’re less commonly discussed among the HPV-related cancers, with around 70% of cases linked to high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18.

No. Most HPV infections are cleared by the body without causing any harm at all. Cancer risk becomes more important when a high-risk strain persists over time.

HPV-related cancers can’t always be prevented completely, but the risk can be reduced. Vaccination, cervical screening, safer sex, and paying attention to symptoms all play a part. The most important thing is understanding what each test does and does not cover, so that possible HPV-related changes are not overlooked.

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine helps protect against the high-risk strains most often linked to cancer, including the types responsible for most cervical cancers. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce future risk, but it does not protect against every HPV type. That means vaccination is important, but it doesn’t replace the need for testing.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening is one of the best tools we have for preventing cervical cancer because it checks for high-risk HPV before cancer develops. If HPV is found, the sample can also be checked for abnormal cell changes. This matters particularly for people who may have had HPV quietly present for years.

Safer sex and awareness

Condoms can help reduce the risk of HPV transmission. If you notice genital changes, unusual bleeding, discomfort, or anything else that does not feel normal, it is worth getting checked rather than assuming it will go away on its own.

Can HPV cause cancer in men?

Yes. HPV can increase the risk of anal cancer, penile cancer, and some mouth and throat cancers in men. It’s not only a women’s health issue.

Does HPV always lead to cancer?

No. Most HPV infections clear on their own and do not cause cancer. The main concern is a high-risk HPV infection that stays in the body for a long time.

Can HPV cause throat cancer?

Yes. HPV is linked to some cancers in the back of the throat. This is one reason HPV matters to everyone, not only people thinking about cervical health.

How do I know if my STI test includes HPV?

You should check the details of the test or ask your Better2Know Sexual Health Advisor directly. Not all STI panels include HPV, so if HPV is your concern, it is important to choose a test or screen that specifically looks for it.

HPV can cause more than one type of cancer, but most HPV infections don’t lead to cancer, and there are clear ways to reduce risk.

If you’re concerned about HPV, cervical health, or long-term cancer risk, choosing the right STI screen matters just as much as getting tested in the first place. Learn more about your sexual health status by clicking the button below.