Cervical cancer isn’t the only cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Each year, there are about 21,400 cases of HPV-related cancer among women, with cervical cancer being the most common. There are also about 15,100 cases among men, with oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) as the most common. On this page you can learn more about anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar and head and neck cancer.
Dr. Gail Petersen Hock, a board certified public/community health clinical nurse specialist and advanced practice public health nurse, discussed a HPV-related cancers at the 2025 virtual meeting of NCCC chapter leaders. Dr. Peterson Hock is a co-leader for the NCCC Arizona (Southwest Regional) chapter.
Anal cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the anus. There are an estimated 6,900 cases of anal cancer each year in the United States. Gay and bisexual men (who have sex with other men) are about 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer than the the general population. However, anal dysplasia has also been reported in some people who have a history of severe cervical dysplasia.
One type of HPV, HPV-16, has been associated as a risk factor for anal cancer. The HPV vaccine can help protect against infection with both HPV subtypes 16 and 18 (as well seven other HPV types.
Head and neck cancers arise in the head or neck region (in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx). There are an estimated 14,800 cases of HPV-related head and neck cancer each year.
HPV is thought to cause 60% to 70% of cases of oral cancers, putting it ahead of tobacco use as the leading cause of such cancers. Findings indicate that HPV is not likely to spread through kissing or casual contact and that most cases of oral HPV can be traced to oral sex.
There are about 12,900 cases of throat cancer in men each year compared to 2,300 in women.
So, what can you do? First—get the facts. Second—consider the HPV vaccine. It’s safe, proven, and can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers. And third—if you notice symptoms, don’t wait. Get checked.
Part 1: Head and neck cancers are increasing in number. In this episode we’re talking with Mr. Bob Cupps, who very recently underwent treatment for oropharyngeal cancer talks with us about his experiences, what the patient journey is like, and why HPV vaccines are crucial in preventing these diseases.
Part 2: Dr. Michael Moore, a professor and physician with the Indiana University School of Medicine and president of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, discusses the connection between HPV and certain head and neck tumors; symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment; prevention strategies; and how to talk with your health care provider
Penile cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the penis. Most penile cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the penis). The CDC estimates that each year in the U.S. there are about 900 men cases of HPV-related cancer of the penis.
While most males do not ever experience symptoms or health risks if they get one or more “high-risk” types of HPV, there are some cases of cell changes (neoplasia) on the penis, which are caused by “high-risk” types of HPV.
Symptoms
Vaginal cancer is a cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina leads from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body. The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Another type of vaginal cancer is adenocarcinoma, cancer that begins in glandular cells in the lining of the vagina.
The CDC estimates that around 700 new cases of HPV-associated vaginal cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
The American Cancer Society reports that risk factors include:
Symptoms
Vulvar cancer is a cancer that occurs on the outer surface area of the female genitalia. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia. There are an estimated 2,900 cases of vulvar cancer in the United States each year. Though it can occur at any age, vulvar cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older women.
The Mayo Clinic reports the following risk factors associated with vulvar cancer:
Symptoms