Summary:
- COVID may be associated with a higher risk of HPV-related cancers
- The results are important, but they do not prove that COVID directly causes these cancers
- Prevention is still the most important thing: vaccinations, screenings, tests and general health improvements can reduce your risk of developing HPV-related cancers
The pandemic has shown that a new endemic infection can have a wide range of unforeseen effects on people’s health long COVID To psychiatric problems And health inequalities.
Well, a new one study published in Discover oncology is studying whether COVID may increase the risk of developing HPV-related cancers.
What did the study show?
STIs can cause all sorts of common health complications.
What does the study say?
The study examined the health records of millions of women aged 18 to 90 in 15 countries who contracted COVID in 2020. Researchers found that these women had a higher risk of developing some HPV-related cancers three years laterincluding cervical, anal and vulvar cancer.
The infected people were:
- 67% increased risk of cervical cancer
- 78% increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer
- 92% increased risk of anal cancer
- 98% increased risk of vulvar cancer
- 131% increased risk of vaginal cancer
What do the results mean?
With such staggering numbers, it’s easy to jump to conclusions. However, context and nuance are needed in this situation.
Finally, the pandemic has disrupted many routine health appointments where cancer screening could have taken place. This could have led to cancer progression and later diagnoses. Changes in patients’ immune systems caused by COVID may also have played a role. In addition, none of the patients observed in the study received an HPV vaccine, which plays an important role in preventing cervical cancer.
How COVID and cancer risk may be related
COVID can seriously weaken the immune system, which can make it harder for the body to clear other infections, such as HPV and cancer and precancerous cells. Temporary suppression of immune function can lead to the development of other infections.
How can I reduce my risk of developing HPV-related cancer?
There’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk of contracting high-risk HPV.
- Get vaccinated: HPV vaccination remains one of the best prevention methods.
- Get checked: Don’t skip routine pap smears and cervical exams
- Get tested: Use in-clinic and at-home tests to check for HPV
- Be sure: Practice safe sex with condoms
- Get Healthy: Take care of your overall health to support your immune system by getting regular sleep, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly.
FAQs
Can men get HPV-related cancers?
Yes. HPV can cause cancer in both men and women, including anal 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 early symptoms?
Not always. Many HPV infections and early cell changes do not cause obvious symptoms, which is why routine examinations and timely medical follow-up remain so important.
How long can high-risk HPV stay in the body?
High-risk HPV can disappear within months or persist for years, depending on the person and the type of HPV. Persistent infection is the biggest concern because it is more likely to cause abnormal cell changes over time.
Who may be at higher risk for HPV-related cancers overall?
The risk may be higher in people with persistent high-risk HPV, weakened immune function, smoking history, or missed routine checkups. The risk also varies depending on age, health history, and affected body part.
Does a COVID infection mean I will develop HPV-related cancer?
No. This type of research shows a connection, not a certainty. Most people who get COVID do not develop HPV-related cancer, but the results underscore the importance of staying up to date on prevention and follow-up care.
Final thoughts
If you are in any way concerned about your sexual health, an STD test is your first port of call. Contact Daily Sparkz today to book an STI screening at a clinic near you.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
