Summary:
- COVID may be associated with a higher risk of HPV-related cancers
- The findings are important, but they do not prove that COVID directly causes these cancers
- Prevention is still most important: vaccination, screening, testing and general health improvements can all reduce the risk of HPV-related cancer
The pandemic has shown that a new endemic infection can cause a range of unpredictable effects on human health, from long COVID to psychiatric issues and health inequalities.
Now, a new one study was published on Discover Oncology is investigating whether COVID may increase the risk of developing HPV-related cancers.
What did the study show?
STDs can cause all kinds of general health complications.
What does the study say?
The study looked at the health records of millions of women aged 18-90 in 15 countries affected by COVID in 2020. The researchers found that these women were at higher risk of developing certain cancers linked to HPV three years laterincluding cervical, anal and vulvar cancers.
Those infected were:
- 67% increased risk of cervical cancer
- 78% increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer
- 92% increased risk of rectal cancer
- 98% increased risk of vulvar cancer
- 131% increased risk of vaginal cancer
What do the results mean?
With such impressive numbers, it’s easy to jump to certain conclusions. However, context and nuance in this situation are needed.
In addition, the pandemic has disrupted many routine health appointments where cancer screening could have taken place. This may have allowed the cancers to progress, leading to later diagnoses. Changes in patients’ immune systems caused by COVID may also have played a role. Also, none of the patients seen in the study received the HPV vaccine, which plays an important role in preventing cervical cancer.
How COVID and cancer risk may be linked
COVID can severely disrupt the immune system, which can make it harder for the body to clear other infections like HPV, as well as clear cancer and pre-cancer cells. A temporary suppression of immune function can lead to the establishment of other infections.
How can I reduce my chances of getting HPV-related cancers?
There is a lot you can do to reduce your risk of getting high-risk HPV.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccination against HPV remains one of the best methods of prevention.
- Control: don’t skip your pap test and cervical exams
- Try it: use clinic and home tests to check for HPV
- Safe: Have safe sex using condoms
- Get healthy: take care of your general health to support your immune system, including getting regular sleep, eating a balanced diet, stopping smoking and exercising regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Can men get HPV-related cancers?
Yes. HPV can cause cancers in men as well as women, including rectal and oropharyngeal cancer. While the study discussed in this blog focused on women, HPV-related cancer risk is not limited to one gender.
Do HPV-related cancers usually cause symptoms early?
Not always. Many HPV infections and early cell changes don’t cause obvious symptoms, which is one reason routine screenings and early medical follow-up remain so important.
How long can high-risk HPV stay in the body?
High-risk HPV can go away within months or persist for years, depending on the person and the type of HPV. Persistent infection is the main concern because it is more likely to lead to abnormal cellular changes over time.
Who may be at higher risk for HPV-related cancers overall?
The risk may be higher for people with persistent high-risk HPV, weakened immune function, a history of smoking, or missed routine screening. The risk also varies by age, health history, and the part of the body affected.
Does having COVID mean I will develop HPV-related cancer?
No. This kind of research shows correlation, not certainty. Most people who have had COVID-19 will not develop HPV-related cancer, but the findings underscore the value of staying up-to-date with prevention and monitoring.
Final thoughts
If you are concerned about your sexual health in any way, getting tested for STDs should be your first focus. Contact Better2Know today to book an STD screen at a clinic near you.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
