Fewer Women Are Getting Prenatal Care (and Missing an Important Chance to Prevent Congenital Syphilis)
A new report shows that fewer women are getting prenatal care. That means too many patients are missing the chance to prevent congenital syphilis.
HPV-Related Cancer
HPV-associated cancers include cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and oropharynx (back of the mouth/throat).
Each year, there are about 21,400 cases of HPV-related cancer among women, with cervical cancer being the most common. There are also about 15,100 cases among men, with oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) as the most common.
Anal dysplasia and anal cancer
- Anal cancer is a rare occurrence that has been strongly linked to “high-risk” types of HPV.
- Abnormal cell changes in the anal area (anal dysplasia or anal neoplasia) are more common among individuals who engage in receiving anal sex.
- Anal cancer rates in men who have sex with men are 17-fold higher than in the general population. However, anal dysplasia has also been reported in some people who have a history of severe cervical dysplasia.
- Treatment is available for anal dysplasia and anal cancer.
Head and neck cancer
- “High risk” HPV is linked with some types of head and neck cancer, primarily oropharyngeal cancers found in the base of the tongue, tonsils, and soft palate.
- Oral sex may be a risk factor for acquiring oral HPV.
- While HPV is very common, oropharyngeal cancers are rare.
Penile Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) and Penile Cancer:
- Cancer of the penis is extremely rare in the United States, and HPV is not always the cause.
- There are some cases of cell changes (neoplasia) on the penis, which are caused by “high-risk” types of HPV.
- Most people with a penis do not ever experience symptoms or health risks if they get one or more “high-risk” types of HPV.
- Penile neoplasia can be treated. There is not a cancer screening for the penis because cancer of the penis is extremely rare, and because it is difficult to get a good cell sample from the penis.
Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) and Vaginal Cancer
- HPV has been linked with some, but not all, cases of cell changes in the vagina and with vaginal cancers.
- Various treatment options are available for vaginal neoplasia, depending on how mild or severe the cell changes are in this area.
- Vaginal cancers are rare.
Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) and Vulvar Cancer
- HPV has been linked with some, but not all, cases of cell changes on the vulva and with vulvar cancers.
- Various treatment options are available for vulvar neoplasia, depending on how mild or severe the cell changes are in this area.
- Vulvar cancers are rare.
Preventing HPV and Head and Neck Cancer
More to Explore
Condoms Unfurled—Musings on a Accessible and Valuable Part of Your Safer Sex Toolbox
The condom. All sorts of shapes, sizes, colors (even glow-in-the-dark). Ribbed or plain. Lubed or not. Latex or plastic. ASHA’s Fred Wyand shares his thoughts on this reliable way to prevent STIs and pregnancy.
Syphilis Rates in Pregnant Women Continue to Rise
Syphilis rates among pregnant women went up 222% percent between 2016 and 2022 and another 28% between 2022 and 2024. This alarming increase shows too many pregnant women are not being screened.
Learn About Condoms
Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for preventing pregnancy and reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sex. Condoms work.
HPV Screening with Self Collection Endorsed by Two Organizations
At the end of 2025, the American Cancer Society released its new cervical cancer screening guidelines. In January 2026, the Health Resources and Services Administration endorsed a new set of guidelines as well. Both suggest HPV screening with self collected samples is an acceptable option.
Is One Shot of the HPV Vaccine Enough?
Research suggests that only one dose of the HPV vaccine may be effective enough to prevent HPV-related disease, including cancer.
Australia is Closer to Ending Cervical Cancer
Australia has been a leader in HPV-prevention and cervical cancer screening for decades. Because of this, it is now close to eliminating cervical cancer entirely. However, recent drops in vaccination and screening rates threaten this progress.
There Are Two New Drugs to Treat Gonorrhea
The FDA approved two new drugs to treat gonorrhea The new drugs—gepotidacin and zoliflodacin—are both new kinds of antibiotics and represent the first completely new treatment options in over thirty years.
