Key points
- HPV infections can cause certain cancers in men and women.
- HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
- Talk to your child’s doctor about getting HPV vaccine to prevent HPV infections.
Why it's important
HPV can cause cancers of the:
- Cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
- Penis in men
- Anus in both men and women
- Back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx), in both men and women
Cancer usually takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. There is no way to know who will develop cancer or other health problems from HPV.
- People with weakened immune systems (like people living with HIV/AIDS) may be less able to fight off (clear) HPV infections, and more likely to develop health problems caused by HPV.
| Cancer | Cases in Women | Cases in Men |
|---|---|---|
| Back of the Throat | 2,300 | 12,500 |
| Cervical | 11,100 | 0 |
| Anus | 4,700 | 2,200 |
| Vulva | 2,900 | 0 |
| Penis | 0 | 900 |
| Vagina | 700 | 0 |
| Total | 21,700 | 15,600 |
Source: How Many Cancers Are Linked with HPV Each Year?
Data as of August 2021
Facts
Number of Cancers Caused by HPV in the United States Each Year
More than 9 of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination.
Every year in the United States:
- Nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with a cervical pre-cancer
- 11,100 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer caused by HPV
- About 4,000 women die from cervical cancer
Who is at risk
Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. HPV vaccines and cervical cancer screening have made it one of the most preventable cancers. Even women who are vaccinated should still get regular cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 years.
HPV also affects men. About 4 out of every 10 cases of cancer caused by HPV occur among men. Every year in the U.S., over 15,000 men get cancers caused by HPV.
Did you know?
Recommendations
HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV, as well as anal, vaginal, cervical, and vulvar pre-cancers (abnormal cells that can lead to cancer).
That's why HPV vaccines work best when given at age 11–12 years, before contact with the HPV virus. You can protect your child from these cancers with HPV vaccine at age 11–12 years. Talk to your child's doctor about HPV vaccination.