HPV Cancer Risk for Women Lingers Years Later

A recent study found the risk of carcinomas and pre-malignancies persisted for up to 20 years after infection with Human papillomavirus (HPV).

This research means previously diagnosed and unvaccinated women are at significant risk for developing various cancers.

The increased risk for HPV-related carcinomas and pre-malignancies of the anogenital and oropharyngeal region can last for decades after a diagnosis of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3).

Approximately 42 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 69 are infected with genital HPV, putting them at risk for certain cancers. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV cancers include vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx.

"This data provides further evidence of the increased risk of HPV-related carcinomas and pre-malignancies of the anogenital and oropharyngeal regions after a diagnosis of CIN3, and gives a clear view of women at risk for HPV-related disease," the researchers stated.

"Because vaccination programs for young women only started in 2007, it will take many more years before the effects of HPV vaccination become visible in the total adult female population,’ said the researchers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV can cause cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 266,000 deaths and 528,000 new cases worldwide in 2012.

While there is no routine screening test for HPV-associated diseases other than the cervical cancer (PAP) test, the CDC suggests you visit your doctor regularly for checkups.

There are safe and effective HPV vaccines available. These vaccines can protect males and females against diseases, including cancers, caused by HPV.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved:

• Merck's Gardasil
• Merck’s Gardasil 9

The CDC Vaccine Price Lists posted on this website provide current vaccine contract prices and list the private sector vaccine prices for general information.

These researchers did not disclose any conflicts of interest:  Renée M.F. Ebisch, Dominiek W.E. Rutten, Joanna IntHout, Willem J.G. Melchers, Leon F.A.G. Massuger, Johan Bulten, Ruud L.M. Bekkers, Albert G. Siebers

DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2016.71.4543 Journal of Clinical Oncology