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Does HPV increase the risk of cervical cancer?

2025-12-26 10:12:32Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Does HPV increase the risk of cervical cancer?

HPV is often considered a taboo subject. Although most of us will be exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in our lives, it remains widely misunderstood.

Receiving a positive HPV result can be unsettling and confusing, however the link between HPV and cervical cancer is more nuanced than many people realize.

We spoke to Adeola Olaitan, a consultant gynaecological oncologist, who explained what HPV is, how it is linked to cervical cancer and addressed some common myths around the topic.

What is HPV?

“HPV is a family of viruses that infect the skin and mucosal tissues,” Olaitan explains. “There are different subtypes of HPV, which are designated by numbers.”

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) website, you can become infected with HPV from any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, vaginal, anal or oral sex, or through sharing sex toys.

Most of the time, HPV does not cause problems, the gynecological oncologist emphasizes.

“In most cases, HPV is a transient and harmless condition, and most people get over it without even knowing they had it,” says Olaitan. “It will usually go away naturally within two years.”

What is the biggest misconception about HPV?

"I think the biggest misconception about HPV is the stigma surrounding it," says Olaitan.

"Because it's a sexually transmitted infection, people think it has connotations of immorality, which it doesn't. You can have sex once and get HPV."

Which types of HPV can increase the risk of cervical cancer?

According to The Eve Appeal, there are over 200 types of HPV and they are divided into two groups: low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV.

Around 14 types of HPV are considered high-risk for cervical cancer, and two of these types (HPV 16 and HPV 18) cause around 70 out of 100 (70%) of all cervical cancer cases, according to Cancer Research UK.

"HPV 16 and HPV 18 can infect the cervix and, if the infection persists, they can increase the risk of cervical cancer," explains Olaitan.

How can you find out if you have HPV?

“There are usually no symptoms of HPV, so unless you go for a cervical cancer screening, you won’t know you have it,” says Olaitan. “Knowing whether you have HPV or not is important simply because it identifies people as being at higher risk for having abnormal cells, which if left undetected or untreated can increase the risk of cervical cancer.”

According to the NHS website, anyone with a cervix should be invited for a check-up every five years between the ages of 25 and 64.

It is also said that during the check-up appointment, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and the sample is checked for high-risk HPV types, which can cause changes in the cells of the cervix.

“If the initial screening finds high-risk HPV, a reflex cytology test will be performed on the same sample to look for abnormal cells,” Olaitan explains. “If this does not find abnormal cells, you will be told to return for a screening at a shorter interval. However, if abnormal cells are found, you will be referred for a colposcopy to look more closely at the cervix.”

Can you protect yourself from HPV?

“The HPV vaccine is very effective at protecting people against HPV,” says Olaitan. “It’s usually given to children ages 11 to 13 and is licensed for ages 45 and up, but it’s less effective the older you get.”

"But you can also have it if you've been exposed to HPV, or if you have a current HPV infection, and it provides immunity that's stronger and more durable than natural immunity alone. So it's good to have it, but it's better to have it when you're young."

What are some symptoms of cervical cancer that you should pay attention to?

“The most common symptoms of cervical cancer are bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, or a persistent and bothersome vaginal discharge,” Olaitan points out. “Most of the time these symptoms indicate benign conditions, but it’s important not to ignore them and to go and get them checked out to rule out anything more serious going on.”

What is the most important thing people should know about HPV and cervical cancer?

"Remember that cervical cancer is preventable, and people who get regular checkups are unlikely to get cancer," says Olaitan.

"Checkups and vaccinations are two of the most important things you can do for your health."/ DPA News


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