Can COVID increase your risk of developing HPV-related cancers?

Summary:

• COVID may be associated with a higher risk of HPV-related cancers
• The findings are important, but they don’t prove COVID directly causes these cancers
• Prevention still matters most: vaccination, screening, testing, and general health improvements can all lower your risk of developing HPV-linked cancers

The pandemic showed that a new endemic infection can cause a host of unforeseen effects on peoples’ health, from long COVID to psychiatric issues and health inequalities.

Now, a new study published in Discover Oncology investigates whether COVID can increase the risk of developing cancers linked to HPV.

What did the study show?

STIs can cause all sorts of general health complications.

What does the study say?

The study looked at health records of millions of women aged 18-90 in 15 countries who got COVID in 2020. Researchers found that these women were at higher risk of developing some HPV-linked cancers three years later, including cervical, anal, and vulval cancers.

Those infected were:

• 67% increased risk for 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 certain conclusions. However, context and nuance in this situation are needed.

After all, the pandemic disrupted many routine health appointments where screening for cancers could have taken place. This may have allowed cancers to advance, leading to diagnoses later. Changes in the patients’ immune systems caused by COVID may also have played a role. Also, none of the patients observed in the study received an HPV vaccine, which plays a major role in cervical cancer prevention.

How COVID and cancer risk can be linked

COVID can seriously disrupt the immune system, which can make it tougher for the body to clear other infections like HPV, as well as clear cancerous and precancerous cells. A temporary suppression of immune function may result in the establishment of other infections.

How can I lower my chances of getting HPV-linked cancers

 There’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk of getting 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 clinic-based and at-home testing to check for HPV
• Get safe: practice safe sex by using condoms
• Get healthy: take care of your general health to support your immune system, including getting regular sleep, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly.

FAQs

Can men get HPV-related cancers?

Yes. HPV can cause cancers in men as well as women, including anal and oropharyngeal cancers. While the study discussed in this blog focused on women, HPV-related cancer risk is not limited to one sex.

Do HPV-related cancers usually cause symptoms early on?

Not always. Many HPV infections and early cell changes cause no obvious symptoms, which is one reason routine screening and timely medical follow-up remain so important.

How long can high-risk HPV stay in the body?

High-risk HPV can clear within months or persist for years, depending on the person and the HPV type. Persistent infection is the main concern because it is more likely to lead to abnormal cell changes over time.

Who may be at higher risk of HPV-related cancers overall?

Risk may be higher for people with persistent high-risk HPV, weakened immune function, a history of smoking, or missed routine screening. Risk also varies by age, health history, and the part of the body affected.

Does having COVID mean I will develop an HPV-related cancer?

No. This kind of research shows an association, not certainty. Most people who have had COVID will not develop an HPV-related cancer, but the findings do highlight the value of staying up to date with prevention and follow-up care.

Final thoughts

If you’re concerned about your sexual health in any way, getting tested for STIs will be your first port of call. Contact Better2Know today to book an STI screen at a clinic near you.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.

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