HPV & Cancer

If you follow the Center on social media, you may have noticed the “Queer Health is Power” campaign from National LGBT Cancer Network. The leading cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month. HPV can also causes other cancers, such as cancer of the throat, penis, and vulva, and anus. Luckily, we have multiple ways to protect ourselves from HPV.

HPV is sexually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. The most common symptom of HPV is genital warts, but most people with HPV don’t show symptoms. The most dangerous strains of HPV which can lead to cancer are overwhelmingly asymptomatic. HPV does not have a cure, but in the majority of cases, it goes away on its own without issue. However, because HPV is extremely common (Over 80% of Americans will have HPV at some point in their life) and accounts for 1 in 20 (or 5%) of cancers worldwide, it’s best to take measures to protect yourself from HPV infection. 

Using barrier methods such as condoms, dental dams, and finger cots during sex can help protect you from HPV. However, given how HPV is transmitted, barrier methods often do not provide full protection. The HPV vaccine, commonly known by the brand name Gardasil, prevents infection from the 9 most common HPV strains which can cause both genital warts and cancer. It is very safe and effective. According to the CDC:

·  Since HPV vaccination was first recommended in 2006, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women.

·  Fewer teens and young adults are getting genital warts.

·  HPV vaccination has also reduced the number of cases of precancers of the cervix.

·  The protection provided by HPV vaccines lasts a long time. People who received HPV vaccines were followed for at least about 12 years, and their protection against HPV has remained high with no evidence of decreasing over time.

Many people get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9-14, before they become sexually active, but you are still eligible to receive it until the age of 26. You can contact our friends at the Family Planning Agency of South Central New York to get the HPV vaccine: https://fpscny.org/FPSCNY is located in Crescent Commons, the same building as the LGBTQ Center.

Members of the LGBTQ community are less likely to get routine cancer screenings, including for cervical cancer. It’s incredibly important to get the HPV vaccine if you’re eligible, but to also receive routine cancer screenings. Many LGBTQ people delay medical care due to fears of medical discrimination. The National LGBT Cancer Network has a list of LGBTQ-affirming providers across NY state, however, we at the LGBTQ Center also have a list of local providers we can refer people to – we strongly encourage you to reach out to us if you need an LGBTQ-affirming provider in Cortland County.