Cervical Cancer and HPV

Published: October 22, 2019

Updated: August 12, 2024

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Stephanie Alimena

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause abnormal tissue growth and other cellular changes. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity and can be carried by both men and women.

There are over 100 different types (or strains) of the virus, categorized as either “low-risk” (causing warts) or “high-risk” (having the potential to cause cancer).

While most HPV infections do not lead to cancer, there are ways to reduce your risk of contracting HPV.

What Types of Cancer Can HPV Cause?

High-risk HPV strains are responsible for approximately 5% of cancers worldwide, including:

Among the high-risk strains, types 16 and 18 cause the majority of cancers. These two strains account for 70% of all cervical cancers, as well as most oropharyngeal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers.

Although cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer globally, in the United States, oropharyngeal cancer has surpassed cervical cancer as the most common HPV-related cancer among men.

How Does HPV Cause Cancer?

When a high-risk strain of HPV infects cells in the cervix, oropharynx, vulva, vagina, penis, or anus, it can cause cellular changes. If untreated, these changes can lead to cancer. Fortunately, most HPV infections resolve before causing precancerous changes, and only persistent infections with a high-risk strain increase cancer risk.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of HPV-Related Cancer?

The first step in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancer is preventing the infection. HPV vaccination is recommended for all children aged 9 to 14, regardless of gender, with catch-up vaccination available until age 26. After counseling, vaccination can be offered up to age 45, although it is less effective at older ages.

Women aged 21 and over should undergo cervical cancer screening (Pap test) every three years until age 30, and then co-testing with Pap and HPV testing every five years, provided previous results have been normal.

Vaccination

HPV vaccines prevent infections that can lead to cancer. Gardasil is the only HPV vaccine approved in the United States and protects against seven high-risk HPV strains responsible for about 90% of cancers, if administered before sexual contact. It also protects against two strains (6 and 11), which cause most genital warts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccinating boys and girls aged 9 to 14, ideally between 11 and 12, before they become sexually active. Vaccines cannot prevent cervical cancer if a patient has already been infected with the virus.

Safe Sexual Practices

The use of condoms can reduce the risk of contracting HPV. However, since the virus can be transmitted through skin that is not covered by the condom, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Condoms do provide some protection against HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Pap Smears

Pap smears detect cervical abnormalities that may indicate precancerous changes. During the test, a doctor collects cell samples from the cervix. HPV testing can also be conducted alongside Pap smears when indicated.

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