Valuable Information

What is HPV (human papillomavirus)?HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sexually transmitted HPV types fall into two groups: low risk and high risk.

High-risk HPVs can cause several types of cancer. There are 12 high-risk HPV types and two of these are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.
Low-risk HPV types rarely cause cancer, although a few low-risk HPV types can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. When warts form in the larynx or respiratory tract, you may have a condition called respiratory papillomatosis, which can cause breathing problems.

HPV infection is common:Nearly all sexually active people, regardless of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, are infected with HPV within months to a few years of becoming sexually active. Around half of these infections are with a high-risk HPV type.

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HPV-related cancers include:

Anal cancer: Over 90% of anal cancer is caused by HPV. Both new cases and deaths from anal cancer are increasing.
Cervical cancer: Virtually all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. Routine screening with an HPV test or Pap test can prevent most cervical cancer by allowing health care providers to find and remove precancerous cells before they develop into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is most common in rarely or never screened women.
Oropharyngeal cancers: (also called throat cancer): This cancer forms in tissues of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, behind the mouth). Most oropharyngeal cancer (70%) is caused by HPV. Oropharyngeal cancer is different than oral cavity cancer, which forms in the mouth; both are types of head and neck cancer.
Penile cancer: Most penile cancers (63%) is caused by HPV. Penile cancer is a rare form of cancer that usually forms on or under the foreskin.
Vaginal cancer: Most vaginal cancer (75%) is caused by HPV.
Vulvar cancer: Most vulvar cancer (69%) is caused by HPV.

Learn more about trends in diagnosis and survival rates of these six cancers that can be caused by HPV.

Source:National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health

To learn more click here to be taken to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website. According to the CDC, each year the number of people affected by cancers caused by HPV could be drastically lowered and eventually eliminated. Take time to educate yourself and learn how to protect yourself and your children from HPV-related cancers.

Resources

Email us questions if you would like to connect with one of our medical advisors or another medical professional. Dentists, OB/GYN’s, Pediatricians, and Family Physicians are just a few examples of specialists we can confidentially connect you with.

Additional Resources

Narrated by Vanessa Williams, this poignant documentary takes a look into the lives of five women affected by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), the virus that causes several types of cancer, including cervical. Each of these woman has an intimate story to tell. For Susie, Tamika and Christine, it’s a story of survivorship that comes with misconceptions, stigma, shame, heartbreak, pain and triumph. For the Forbes’ family, it’s about coping with the loss of their daughter Kristen and trying to prevent it from happening to others like her. Others like Kelly, who at 31 years began her cancer journey. The cameras follow Kelly on her epic battle to save her marriage, her career, her family and ultimately, her life.