Can the Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cancer?

Yes.

The Human Papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. There are many different types of HPV. Some types of HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancer).

Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types of HPV that can cause cancers.

Show All Answers

1. Can the Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cancer?
2. Can the HPV vaccine protect you from HPV types that cause cancer and genital warts?
3. Who should get the HPV Vaccine?
4. How can I protect my children from HPV?
5. How can I protect myself from HPV and cancer?
6. How can I get the HPV vaccine today?