Unveiling the Impact of HPV

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can infect both males and females who engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sex, have skin-to-skin contact with the genital area, or share sex devices. There are more than 200 different strains of the HPV virus, 40 of which affect the genital region and others affecting areas such as the hands, face, and more [1]. HPV strains are divided into high and low-risk types based on their susceptibility to cause cancer, even though they often do not pose any health risk. Since HPV barely displays any signs, most people who carry the virus do not know they have it.

Infections in Females

Around 80% of sexually active females will get HPV at some point in their life, making it a frequent form of transmission [1,2]. HPV infections are typically related to cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, and some HPV strains can result in the growth of benign genital warts, which can ruin the quality of sex [3,4]. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 90% of the 570,000 new instances of cervical cancer are connected to HPV infection - with the majority of them occurring in low- and middle-income nations [5].

Infections in Males

Males are just as susceptible to HPV, a fact frequently disregarded. HPV infections can lead to genital warts and penile and anal malignancies. Statistically, when compared to heterosexuals, males who have intercourse with other males (MSM) have a significantly greater frequency of anal infection or cancer [6].

Prevention and Treatment

The key to reducing HPV's effects is preventing its transmission. The major preventive intervention that WHO advises for both males and females is vaccination for those around 11-12 years old, before sexual activity [5]. During intercourse, the use of condoms is important to lower the risk of HPV transmission.

Routine screenings - pap cytology tests or Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) for females and anal pap cytology tests for males - are necessary for early detection [7]. Treatment to reduce symptoms varies depending on the disease found, from prescription drugs to surgical procedures.

To reduce the amount of people that have HPV by 2030, WHO states that 90% of people must have HPV vaccinations by the age of 15, and 70% must undergo high-quality screenings between the ages of 35 and 45 [8]. Additionally, 90% of discovered cases must receive treatment [8]. However, even though there are four secure, well-tolerated and highly effective vaccines [9], all these options and tools are only typically available in industrialized nations [7]. Therefore, the International Papillomavirus Society is putting prevention as its top priority.

Cervical cancer was labelled one of the world’s greatest public healthcare failures by the World Health Assembly in 2020 [8]. Therefore, the fight against HPV-related diseases must start with an understanding of its effects, acceptance of vaccination as a preventive tool, and regular tests. By increasing awareness, promoting vaccination campaigns, and encouraging open communication with healthcare providers, we can work to reduce the spread of HPV and its associated health complications.

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Written by: Phaedra

Edited by: Natasha and Maria

BioDecoded is a volunteer group committed to sharing accurate scientific information. We cannot offer any specific health advice. If you have any questions about this topic or would like to learn more, please comment below, or send us your questions.

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (2023). Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus (Accessed: 19 July 2023).

2. De Sanjose, Silvia, et al (2010). "Human papillomavirus genotype attribution in invasive cervical cancer: a retrospective cross-sectional worldwide study." The lancet oncology 11(11): 1048-1056. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20952254/

3. Arbyn, Marc, et al (2020). "Estimates of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in 2018: a worldwide analysis." The Lancet Global Health 8(2): e191-e203. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31812369/

4. De Martel, Catherine, et al (2017). "Worldwide burden of cancer attributable to HPV by site, country and HPV type." International journal of cancer 141(4): 664-670. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28369882/

5. World Health Organization. Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem (2023). Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240014107 (Accessed: 19 July 2023).

6. Stier, Elizabeth A., Nagasudha L. Chigurupati, and Leslie Fung. "Prophylactic HPV vaccination and anal cancer." Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics 12.6 (2016): 1348-1351.

7. World Health Organization. WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention, second edition (2023). Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240040434 (Accessed: 19 July 2023).

8. World Health Assembly adopts global strategy to accelerate cervical cancer elimination (2020). Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/19-08-2020-world-health-assembly-adopts-global-strategy-to-accelerate-cervical-cancer-elimination (Accessed: 20 July 2023).

9. Falcaro, Milena, et al (2021). "The effects of the national HPV vaccination programme in England, UK, on cervical cancer and grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia incidence: a register-based observational study." The Lancet 398(10316): 2084-2092. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34741816/