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Jason’s Story
Jason is an HPV-related tonsil cancer survivor from the US. The human papillomavirus (HPV) - can cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. This is called oropharyngeal or head and neck cancer. HPV causes between 60-80 % of all head and neck cancers. Jason shares his journey from symptoms to diagnosis of a cancer he’d never heard of, to treatment and recovery. He is now well and a vocal advocate for HPV vaccination for boys and girls.
HPV and Cancer Facts
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is a very common virus. We worry about HPV because some types can cause cancer. Other types can cause skin warts on the hands, feet, and genitals. Here, we focus on the types that can cause cancer.
HPV can cause cancer of the:
- cervix (part of the womb; cervical cancer)
- anus (anal cancer)
- back of the throat (oropharynx) or mouth (oropharyngeal cancer)
- vulva and vagina (vulvar and vaginal cancer)
- penis (penile cancer)
Yes—regardless of sex or gender we are all at risk for HPV- it’s sexually transmitted. HPV can cause genital warts as well as cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and mouth/throat. HPV is also easily passed to sexual partners. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your children from genital warts and HPV-related cancers. Vaccination is most effective when given prior to initiation of sexual activity. If you can, get your child vaccinated!
Yes—regardless of sex or gender we are all at risk for HPV- it’s sexually transmitted. HPV can cause genital warts as well as cancers of the anus, penis and mouth/throat. HPV is also easily passed to sexual partners. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your children from genital warts and HPV-related cancers. Vaccination is most effective when given prior to initiation of sexual activity. If you can, get your child vaccinated!
The risk of HPV-related cancers is very low under the age of 30 years. At this time, there are no routine screening programs for five of the six cancers caused by HPV. Having a thorough inspection of the mouth/throat by a dental professional can help to detect oral/throat cancer or pre-cancer. In addition, in certain locations, there are providers who screen for anal cancer and precancer. Check with your health care provider to see if there are any anal cancer or precancer screening programs in your area. A partial list is available here.
HPV Cancer and You.
HPV is a very common virus - almost all of us will have it at some point. If you have HPV, it doesn't mean that you will get cancer, but it does increase your risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Get involved
Create your social media message for International HPV Awareness Day
We can all take action to reduce the harm of HPV. Our social post builder is an easy way to share a simple personal message about how vaccination and screening means #onelessworry for the world
Your HPV Story
Everyone is affected by HPV - either directly or indirectly. Sharing our stories is a great way to raise awareness of the impact of HPV and to reduce the stigma that increases everyone's risk.