Yes! HPV is associated with several other cancers that affect both men and women. Infections can occur in many different parts of the body, depending on the types of sexual contact that you have, such as oral sex, anal sex, or vaginal sex.

What kinds of cancer are there in men?

Oropharyngeal cancer is cancer of the mouth, tongue, or throat. It is the most common cancer related to HPV in men. HPV is responsible for 72% of oropharyngeal cancers, likely caused by transmission during oral sex.*

Anal cancers are cancers of the anus. HPV is responsible for 89%of anal cancers, likely caused by transmission during anal sex.

Penile cancers are cancers of the penis. HPV is responsible for 63% of penile cancers, likely caused by transmission during vaginal or anal sex.

The good news is that HPV-related cancers are rare in men. The bad news is that there are no tests for HPV in men and that HPV infections usually don’t have symptoms. The best thing to do is get the vaccine early to protect yourself. Would you rather leave your health up to chance, or would you rather be proactive and take care of yourself?

What other kinds of cancer are there in women?

Cervical cancer (read more about it here) is the most common cancer in women that is caused by HPV.

Other kinds of cancer caused by HPV are rare, but include:

Vulval cancer- cancer of the vulva

Vaginal cancer- cancer in the vagina

Anal cancer- this may be caused by anal sex or vaginal sex in women.

Oropharyngeal cancer

*All percentages are from a study reported by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/cases.htm)

What is the best way to prevent myself from getting these cancers?

The best way to prevent yourself from getting these cancers is to prevent yourself from getting HPV. Condoms can help block HPV from passing from one person to the next. However, HPV can still get passed along on skin that is not covered by the condom. Also, condoms are not used for all kinds of sexual activity, like oral sex.

The HPV vaccine is the number one way to prevent an HPV infection! These vaccines protect against most of the types of HPV that cause cancer and warts and will last the rest of your life. Usually, 3 doses over 6 months provide a lifetime of security. Because both boys and girls can get cancer from HPV, everyone should get vaccinated. Although it’s better to get the shot before becoming sexually active, it is never too late to protect yourself against HPV infections!

To find out where you can get the HPV vaccine, click here: https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/hpv-vaccine-is-cancer-prevention.html

Remember, if you are 18 years or old, you do NOT need a parent’s permission to get the vaccine.

*For more information about HPV, click here: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hpv-vaccine.html