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The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection, meaning it travels between sexual partners. Of the more than 100 types of the virus, about 40 can spread through direct sexual contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

HPV also causes many types of cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that 37,000 people in the United States receive an HPV-related cancer diagnosis each year.

There’s no cure for HPV. Fortunately, an HPV vaccine is available and can prevent nearly 100% of HPV cancers. But you must receive the vaccine at an early age for it to protect you.

How Does HPV Cause Cancer?

Many people develop HPV at some point during their lives without even knowing it. The immune system usually rids the body of HPV within a year or two with no lasting damage.

Because you don’t always have HPV symptoms, you may not know you even have or had HPV.

But sometimes, an HPV infection doesn’t go away and becomes chronic (meaning it lasts a long time). HPV-related cancers can develop years later in a small number of people, usually those 50 and over.

What Types of Cancer Does HPV Cause?

The types of cancer HPV causes may include cancer of the:

• Anus.
• Cervix.
• Mouth and throat.
• Penis.
• Vagina.
• Vulva.

Here’s a closer look at the types of cancers HPV causes and the benefits of HPV vaccination.

Cervical cancer and HPV

The cervix is the lower part of a woman’s uterus. It connects the uterus with the vagina.

HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer, making it the most common HPV-related cancer. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to get the HPV vaccine.

Doctors suggest regular screening for cervical cancer. Two tests are available: the Pap test and the HPV test. Your doctor can do one or both tests during your routine women’s health exam.

In a Pap smear, the doctor gently scrapes some cells from your cervix for examination in the lab. A doctor known as a pathologist will study them for changes that could indicate cancer or precancer.

UPMC now recommends you get a Pap smear every three to five years between the ages of 21 and 65. Your doctor may suggest a different timeline based on your personal health needs.

The HPV test is similar in that your doctor will also lift cells from your cervix. In addition to showing whether you have HPV, a positive test also includes the type of HPV. Certain types of HPV increase cervical cancer risk.

You don’t need an HPV test every year. Your doctor may recommend an HPV test if your Pap test results are unclear or you’ve had abnormal Pap results in the past. Your doctor might also suggest the test if you’re older than 30 or have a new sexual partner.

If you have high-risk HPV, your doctor will monitor your health more closely over the coming years. You may need additional screening tests or a cervical biopsy. In this procedure, your doctor removes a tiny slice of your cervix to check for cancer.

Both vulvar and vaginal cancers are more common among women with HPV, too.

Mouth and throat cancer and HPV

HPV causes up to 70% of cancers of the oropharynx, the area at the back of the throat. Known as oropharyngeal cancer, this cancer can also affect the tonsils and base of the tongue.

Oral sex is the main way HPV spreads to the mouth, but doctors believe the virus may spread in other ways, too. Risk factors for oropharyngeal cancers include:

• Oral HPV, especially HPV subtype 16.
• Unprotected oral sex.
• Cigarette smoking and tobacco use.

It’s best to always use a condom or dental dam when performing oral sex. You can also reduce your risk of oropharyngeal cancer by not smoking.

Anal cancer and HPV

HPV is a common cause of anal cancer. This cancer develops in the anal canal where the anus meets the rectum. Anal cancer can also occur on the skin just outside the anus.

Risk factors for anal cancer include:

• Anal sex.
• Cervical cancer or precancer.
• HIV infection.
• Suppressed immune system from illness or medications.

Ways to protect yourself include:

• Practicing safe sex.
• Quitting smoking.
• If you’re HIV-positive, talking to your doctor to ensure your HIV is well-controlled.

Your doctor can diagnose anal cancer by performing an anal Pap smear. They’ll gently insert a swab into your anus to collect some cells to send to the lab.

Penile cancer and HPV

HPV is a leading cause of cancers of the penis. The American Cancer Society reports that HPV is found in about half of all penile cancers. It expects about 2,190 new diagnoses of penile cancer cases each year, including about 510 deaths from penile cancer.

Risk factors for penile cancer include smoking and other tobacco use and HIV infection.

How Is HPV Transmitted?

HPV transmission most often happens during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. But the infection can spread during close contact even if sex doesn’t occur.

Infection with HPV can also spread from one part of the body to another. For example, infection may start in the penis or cervix and then spread to the anus.

But HPV doesn’t spread from swimming pools, toilet seats, sharing utensils, or hugging.

Does HPV Vaccination Prevent Cancer?

HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but doesn’t treat existing HPV infections or diseases. The HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. That’s why the CDC recommends that boys and girls receive the vaccine at age 11 or 12.

Teens and young adults through age 26 should receive the vaccine if they never did so as youths.

Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV. From ages 27 to 45, some unvaccinated adults might choose to receive the HPV vaccine. The vaccine might still prevent future infections, but you’ll want to discuss your risk factors with your doctor first.

Scientists developed the vaccine to work against several HPV subtypes. This includes HPV subtypes 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers. HPV subtype 16 also causes most oropharyngeal cancers, and all of the available vaccines work against both subtypes.

At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship aren’t likely to get a new HPV infection.