The relationship between HPV and cancer in figures
Every year, the month of March hosts the International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness DayA day that undoubtedly takes on special significance when some of the data linking this sexually transmitted disease with different types of cancer, both in women and men, are collected. And that is precisely what we want to talk about in this article, the relationship between HPV and cancer.
What is the Human Papilloma Virus?
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases at present. It is a viral infection which is capable of infecting both the skin (which leads to the appearance of warts) and the mucous membranes.
In this way, we can find more than 200 different variants Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Of these, around 40 can affect mucous membranes. Two important types, 16 and 18, are also important, which are responsible for the majority of HPV infection cases.
Relevant data on the Human Papillomavirus
- One of the most relevant data that highlights the need to raise awareness about the prevention of this virus is that it is estimated that around 80% of people who have sex will have contact with it at some point in their lives..
- Thus, between 85% and 90% of people who suffer from an HPV infection will pass the disease. without noticing it or temporarily and without consequences.
- However, between 10% and 15% of cases will have a persistence of the infection, their immune system will not be able to eliminate the virus and this is when premalignant alterations can occur that could evolve into cancer.
The relationship between HPV and cancer in figures
The type of cancer most closely related to the Human Papillomavirus is Cervical Cancer, as these are particularly sensitive cells. Thus, we are talking about the second most common type of cancer in women in developed countries, which It is caused in 99% of cases by HPVSpecifically, the most common tumors are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in the lining of the cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma, which is located in the glands that produce cervical fluid.
But, in addition, according to data from MSD Spain, there are other types of cancer that have a very high attribution to HPV.
- 90% of anal cancers.
- 75% of vaginal cancers.
- 70% of vulvar cancers.
- 60% of penile cancers.
- Between 5% and 10% of oropharyngeal cancers.
In total, it is estimated that around 570.000 new HPV-related cancers are detected in women each year, and 60.000 in men worldwide. Overall, HPV could be the responsible for 5% of all human tumors detected.
The importance of prevention
Seeing the relationship between HPV and cancer, we reiterate the need to continue raising awareness among the population about the importance of prevention, both maintaining healthy and safe sexual relations, as with the vaccination. In addition, the following are also of vital importance: gynecological check-ups, to be able to detect a possible infection in time.
If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling the following numbers: 91 387 51 72/73/74 or make an appointment for an in-person consultation, always with the best specialists.
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