EUROGIN 2014 roadmap: Differences in human papillomavirus infection natural history, transmission and human papillomavirus‐related cancer incidence by gender and anatomic site of infection

Abstract

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause cancer at multiple anatomic sites in men and women, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vulvar, and vaginal cancers in women and oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers in men. In this EUROGIN 2014 roadmap, differences in HPV-related cancer and infection burden by gender and anatomic site are reviewed. The proportion of cancers attributable to HPV varies by anatomic site, with nearly 100% of cervical, 88% of anal, and less than 50% of lower genital tract and oropharyngeal cancers attributable to HPV, depending on world region and prevalence of tobacco use. Often mirroring cancer incidence rates, HPV prevalence and infection natural history varies by gender and anatomic site of infection. Oral HPV infection is rare and significantly differs by gender; yet HPV-related cancer incidence at this site is several-fold higher than at either the anal canal or penile epithelium. HPV seroprevalence is significantly higher among women compared to men, likely explaining the differences in age-specific HPV prevalence and incidence patterns observed by gender. Correspondingly, among heterosexual partners, HPV transmission appears higher from women to men. More research is needed to characterize HPV natural history at each anatomic site where HPV causes cancer in men and women, information that is critical to inform the basic science of HPV natural history and the development of future infection and cancer prevention efforts.

Public health value of universal HPV vaccination

“…Until recently, HPV infection with high risk or oncogenic HPVs seemed to correlate solely to cervical carcinoma, while today it is known to be primarily responsible for cancerous and precancerous lesions of the ano-genital area in both males and females; it is also responsible, at a lower but not negligible rate, for head and neck cancers (1). HPV was ascribed to cause effectively 100% of cervical cancer cases, 88% of anal cancer cases, 43% of vulvar cancer cases, 70% of invasive vaginal carcinomas, 50% of all penile cancers worldwide (2).…”

Awareness of HPV infection and attitudes toward HPV vaccination among Latvian adolescents

“…Persistent infection with high-risk HPV genotypes is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer [3], as well malignancies of the head and neck, anus, vulva, and penis [4]. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that is highly prevalent in the young sexually active population [5].…”

Human papillomavirus infection and vaccination: Knowledge and attitudes among young males in Italy

“…3,4 HPV can cause cervical cancer, cancers of the vulva and vagina in women, penile cancer in men, as well other anogenital cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts in both sexes. 5,6 Vaccination against HPV infection has been recognized as an effective primary intervention to prevent cervical, vaginal, and vulvar precancerous lesions in women and highly efficacious for preventing penile precancers and for reducing the burden of HPV related diseases in men. Thus, many countries had introduced the HPV vaccination in their national immunization program for girls, and in some countries also for boys.…”