How is hpv spread: virus linked to anal cancer explained

Cancer Research UK figures revealed 3,100 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year and nearly all are related to HPV. However, experts stress most women with HPV don’t

develop cervical cancer. The HPV virus is also linked to vulval and vaginal cancer - but these types of cancer are fairly rare.  The virus is also linked to anal cancer, penile cancer and

head and neck cancer in men. Figures suggest nine in ten cases of anal cancer are linked to the HPV infection. SYMPTOMS OF ANAL CANCER Anal cancer affects more than 1,000 people in the UK

every year, but Cancer Research UK warns rates of the disease are rising and it could be as a result of HPV. Carl Alexander, Cancer Research UK’s health information, has previously told

Express.co.uk: “Anal cancer is far less common than many other types of cancer but rates are rising and hundreds of cases could be prevented.” HPV is also linked to mouth cancer. Dr Chris

Steele, TV GP has previously revealed HPV causes as many mouth cancers and cervical cancers. While mouth cancer is more common in men, women are also affected and have seen a 71 per cent

rise in rates over the last 20 years. Women are invited to attend cervical screening in a bid to reduce their risk of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is offered to girls aged 12 and 13 as

part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.