I've heard that catching human papillomavirus (HPV) through sexual contact is linked with cervical cancer. Can infection with the virus raise cancer risk in men too?
Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.
Yes, men can get cancer from infection with certain strains of HPV that are spread through sexual contact. Men can develop HPV-linked cancer of the mouth and throat, penis, or anus.
HPV infections are common among sexually active people, and infections often cause no symptoms. The immune system usually clears HPV infections from the body.
Most HPV infections do not cause cancer. But infection with some strains of HPV poses a higher cancer risk. These are called high-risk strains. Infection with a high-risk strain that lasts for many years may result in changes in cells and lead to cancer. Research suggests that about 1 in 5 men worldwide are infected with one or more high-risk strains of HPV
In general, more than 90% of anal cancers are tied to HPV infection. Most penile cancers and mouth and throat cancers are linked with HPV infections too.
In the United States, mouth and throat cancer is the most common HPV-linked cancer in men. Research suggests that the rate of infection continues to rise.
HPV spread and risk
You can get an HPV infection from vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex and the use of sexual devices. HPV also can spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex.
People with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of cancer that's linked to HPV. This includes people who live with HIV infections. Men who have sex with men have a higher risk of anal cancer that's linked with HPV. Other risk factors include how many sexual partners you have and your partners' sexual history.
Vaccination
The HPV vaccine was made to prevent cervical cancer. But it can prevent cancers of the anus, penis, and mouth and throat as well.
The vaccine also prevents infections from HPV strains that commonly cause genital warts.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for children 11 to 12 years old. Children can get the vaccine as early as 9 years old. The CDC says everyone up to age 26 should get vaccinated if they didn't earlier in life.
Most children 9 to 14 years old need two doses of the HPV vaccine. People 15 to 26 years old usually get three doses. That's because children and younger teens tend to have a bigger protective response with each dose of the vaccine that they get.
People ages 27 to 45 who haven't gotten vaccinated should talk with their healthcare professionals. They may benefit from the HPV vaccine if they have a higher risk of HPV infection.
Other ways to help prevent HPV infection
The use of condoms or dental dams can lower the risk of spreading HPV. But these types of protection don't prevent all skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity that can result in the spread of HPV. That's why it's best to get vaccinated as well.
With
Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.
July 09, 2024
- HPV and cancer. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer. Accessed March 19, 2024.
- Bruni L, et al. Global and regional estimates of genital human papillomavirus prevalence among men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Global Health. 2023; doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00305-4.
- Bennett JE, et al. Papillomaviruses. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 19, 2024.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet. Accessed March 19, 2024.
- HPV and men – Fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm. Accessed March 19, 2024.
- AskMayoExpert. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- HPV vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html. Accessed March 19, 2024.
- Human papillomavirus vaccines. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/human-papillomavirus-and-other-vaccines-recommended-for-adolescents/. Accessed March 19, 2024.
- Liao CI, et al. Trends in human papillomavirus-associated cancers, demographic characteristics, and vaccinations in the US, 2001-2017. JAMA Network Open. 2022; doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.2530.