Cancers from genital warts

Nathan Perry and Peter Aston explains how the virus that causes genital warts is also linked to cancers.
Hands up if you've heard of genital warts! I think it's fair to say that the majority of us are able to put our hands straight up, and if were feeling energetic enough, even wave.

However, did you know the virus that causes genital warts, the Human papillomavirus (HPV), is also linked to cervical cancer?

Hold your horses boys, HPV has also been linked to anal and penile cancer, and is therefore a concern for all of us. Although HPV is commonly known as the ‘wart virus’, there are approximately 100 different strains that result in a variety of symptoms. It is believed that 30 – 40 of these strains are sexually transmitted, and are able to infect the genital area of both men and women.

These sexually transmitted HPV strains are also classified as ‘low risk’ and ‘high risk (as if we need things further complicated), depending on the likelihood of an infection resulting in the development of cancer. It may be obvious, but ‘high risk’ strains are more likely to result in the development of cancer, while ‘low risk’ strains are associated with less serious health implications such as genital warts. It is believed that 10 strains of genital HPV could result in the formation of cancer.

HPV is also the most common sexually transmitted infection, with 75% of the world’s population (men and women) being exposed to the virus at some point. However, before you panic and rush down to your doctors, remember most strains of HPV will not result in cancer. In fact, the incidence of cervical, anal and penile cancer is so low; there are no routine screening programmes for HPV-linked cancers. It’s just important we keep an eye out for anything unusual.

So it makes sense for women to attend their routine smear tests, which help detect precancerous changes in the cervix, and for people with suppressed immune systems, such as people living with HIV, to have a chat with your doctor if you’re concerned.

Useful information

• Only certain strains of HPV are linked to genital cancers known as ‘high risk’ strains.
• Approximately 3000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK every year (1% of all cancers).
• Approximately 400 men are diagnosed with anal cancer in the UK each year. The incidence is slightly higher in women.
• Penile cancer is very rare. Most cases are seen in men over 70.