HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause several types of cancer, most notably cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer).

Key cancers HPV can cause

  • Cervical cancer
    • Nearly all cervical cancer cases are caused by high-risk HPV types.
* Types 16 and 18 are responsible for most HPV-related cervical cancers.
  • Anal cancer
    • The majority of anal cancers are linked to HPV, especially HPV 16 and 18.
* Both men and women can develop HPV-related anal cancer.
  • Oropharyngeal (throat) cancers
    • HPV can cause cancers at the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.
* Around 70% of these oropharyngeal cancers are linked to HPV.
  • Vulvar and vaginal cancers
    • Most cancers of the vulva and vagina are caused by high-risk HPV.
* These cancers are less common than cervical cancer but still clearly associated with persistent HPV infection.
  • Penile cancer
    • A significant proportion of penile cancers (about two‑thirds) are associated with HPV infection.
* Penile cancer is rare but strongly linked to high-risk HPV types.

How HPV leads to cancer

  • High-risk HPV types (like 16 and 18) can persist in the body instead of being cleared by the immune system.
  • Over many years, this persistent infection can change the DNA of cells, making them grow abnormally and potentially turn into cancer.

Important context and prevention

  • Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer; the body clears them naturally within 1–2 years.
  • Vaccines that protect against high-risk HPV types can greatly reduce the risk of these cancers and are now widely recommended in many countries.

If you are worried about HPV or cancer risk, a healthcare professional can recommend appropriate screening (like Pap tests) and HPV vaccination options based on age and medical history.

TL;DR: HPV can cause cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and certain throat cancers, especially when high-risk HPV infections persist for years without clearing.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.