Cancers Associated with Human Papillomavirus

Background

Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among females, and oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) are the most common among males.

HPV is a recognized cause of cancer. Although most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear spontaneously, persistent infections can progress to precancer or cancer. HPV causes most cervical cancers, as well as some cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx. Cancer registries do not routinely collect information about HPV status, so in this report, HPV-associated cancers are defined as those that occur in parts of the body where HPV is often found.

HPV-associated cancers

An HPV-associated cancer is a specific cellular type of cancer that is diagnosed in a part of the body where HPV is often found. These parts of the body include the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx.

Figure 1. Number of new HPV-associated cancer cases each year

*includes anal and rectal squamous cell carcinomas.

For more information, please see Cancers Linked With HPV Each Year.

Figure 2. Rate of HPV-associated cancers by a) sex and cancer type and by b) sex and race and ethnic group

The incidence rate of HPV-associated cancers varied by cancer type, sex, and race/ethnic group. Females had higher incidence than males, except for the oropharynx site. Among males, non-Hispanic White males had the highest incidence rates compared with other racial and ethnic groups, and non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander males had the lowest rates. Among females, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native females had the highest incidence rates compared with other racial and ethnic groups, and non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander females had the lowest rates.

Figure 2a. By sex and cancer type

Figure 2b. By sex and race and ethnic group

HPV-attributable cancers

Figure 3. Estimated annual number of cancer cases attributable to HPV by sex, cancer type, and HPV type

An HPV-attributable cancer is a cancer probably caused by HPV. HPV-attributable cancers are estimated by multiplying the number of HPV-associated cancers by the percentage attributable to HPV according to a CDC genotyping study. We estimated that 37,800 cancers (79%) were attributable to HPV each year during 2017 to 2021. Of these, we estimated that 35,000 cancers could have been prevented by the 9-valent HPV vaccine, including 30,700 caused by HPV types 16 and 18 and 4,300 caused by HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It is estimated that about 10% of cervical and anal cancers, 30% of oropharyngeal, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, and 40% of penile cancers are HPV-negative.

HPV vaccination is recommended for all preteens at ages 11 to 12 years old, and catch-up HPV vaccination for all adults through age 26 years. Catch-up vaccination is not recommended for people who are 27 years old or older because the benefit of HPV vaccination decreases in older age groups, but vaccination can be based on shared clinical decision-making for people who are 27 to 45 years old.

Suggested citation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancers Associated with Human Papillomavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.