HPV: does it cause cancer?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common type of virus that is present in the sexually active community. It usually persists without symptoms and resolves by itself, however, in some people it can present as genital warts.

Here top gynaecologist Mr Jullien Brady explains everything you need to know about HPV, including whether it is linked as the cause of certain cancers.

Is HPV a sexually transmitted disease?

It is acquired through genital contact and is considered more of a sexually acquired infection than a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia.

This small but significant distinction is very important. As HPV is present in the whole genital region, even if safe sex practices are used, this will not prevent the spread of HPV from one partner to another.

Importantly most people will clear the HPV infection without any consequences. It has been likened to the ‘common cold’ of the genitals.
 

How common is HPV?

HPV is very common and there are over 100 different strains. Most are not harmful, but 13 subtypes are known as high risk. Of these 16 and 18 are the most important as they cause up to 70% of HPV-related cancers.

Subtypes 6 and 11 are benign but responsible for genital warts. Around 90% of people will be exposed to and acquire high-risk HPV at some point in their ‘sexual timespan’, but almost all will clear the infection without any consequences.

At any point in time, 10-15% of a given population will be carrying high-risk HPV.
 

How do you know if you have HPV?

HPV is a silent infection and has no signs and symptoms. It is equally common in men and women.
 

Does HPV cause cancer? Which cancers are linked to HPV?

Most people will clear HPV infection without consequence, but it can remain in a small number of men and women. In a small cohort of these, the virus is associated with some cancers.

In women, cervical cancer is almost entirely caused by HPV infection, which is why cervical screening has changed its cornerstone investigation to the presence or absence of the virus in conjunction with cervical cytology.

In men and women, high-risk HPV has been discovered to have an increasing role in mouth, throat and anal cancer. This is related to sexual behaviour and those individuals that practice receptive oral and anal intercourse.
 

Who should have the HPV vaccination?

The HPV vaccination is really only effective if given before sexual contact/’debut’. In the UK it is now given to both boys and girls aged 12 to 13.

After sexual contact or if considered in an older patient who did not receive the vaccine it can be considered on an individual basis. HPV testing for the individual in question will give useful information as to the likely benefit for them.


Do not hesitate to book an appointment with Mr Brady if you’re concerned about your gynaecological health.