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Cervical cancer Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.

Answers to questions about cervical cancer

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Does human papilloma virus (HPV) cause cancer in men?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) may be associated with cancers other than cervical cancer. These include cancer of the penis, anus, and head and neck (tonsils, tongue, and the area at the back of the throat, known as the pharynx).

Explanation

HPV is a common virus that can be passed on through sex but doesn't usually cause symptoms. There are over 100 types of HPV - some of these can cause genital warts and some types are known to increase the risk of developing a particular cancer and are called 'high-risk' HPV. The virus can remain in your body without causing any harm for a long time or can be removed from your body quite quickly by your immune system.

High-risk HPV may be a cause of cancer of the penis. Penile cancer is rare in the UK, but it's important to be aware of the symptoms. These include:

  • a change in the colour, or a thickening, of the skin of the penis
  • discharge or bleeding from the penis
  • growths or sores, especially under the foreskin

These symptoms aren't always due to penile cancer but if you have them, you should visit your GP.

High-risk HPV can cause changes in the cells around the anus. The changes are known as anal intra-epithelial neoplasia (AIN). AIN isn't cancer but in some people it may develop into anal cancer after many years. Anal cancer is rare in the UK but it's important to be aware of the symptoms. These include:

  • bleeding from the rectum (back passage)
  • pain, discomfort, and itching around the anus
  • small lumps around the anus
  • faecal incontinence

These symptoms aren't always due to anal cancer but if you have them, you should visit your GP.

High-risk HPV may be linked to cancers affecting the tonsils, tongue and pharynx (the area at the back of the throat). The HPV virus is most likely transmitted during oral sex.

Symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

  • an ulcer that doesn't heal
  • difficult or painful swallowing
  • pain when chewing
  • a constant sore throat
  • a lump in your mouth
  • numbness in your mouth or lips

These symptoms aren't always due to head and neck cancer but if you have them, you should visit your GP.

Further information

Sources

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Will treatment for cervical cancer affect my sex life?

It's safe to start having sex again within a few weeks of your treatment for cervical cancer. However, treatment for cervical cancer may cause an early menopause and radiotherapy can cause side-effects that may affect your sex life.

Explanation

If you haven't yet had your menopause, radiotherapy or surgery to remove your womb and ovaries (hysterectomy) will cause an early menopause. The symptoms are the same as those of a natural menopause. These include hot flushes and sweating, a dry vagina, low mood, tiredness and a loss of interest in sex. Your GP may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medicines to help with these symptoms. Topically applied gels and creams may help if you have a dry vagina.

Radiotherapy may also cause a narrowing of the vagina, a dry vagina, and pain during sex. Talk to your GP about how to manage these symptoms.

Further information

Sources

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Will I still need cervical screening tests if I have had the HPV vaccine?

Yes, if you have had the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine you will still need regular cervical screening tests.

Explanation

There are many different types of HPV. They can be divided into those that are associated with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer and those that aren't. The HPV vaccine doesn't protect against all types of HPV that are associated with cervical changes and cancer. Therefore, the vaccines don't provide complete protection against the disease. It's thought that the vaccines will prevent at least seven out of 10 of the most common type of cervical cancer (squamous cell cancer).

Therefore, it's important to attend routine cervical screening appointments even if you have had the HPV vaccine.

Further information

Sources

  • HPV vaccines (to prevent cervical cancer). Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 1 May 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: February 2009

 

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