The most common cancers linked to HPV (human papillomavirus) in seniors primarily include cervical, oropharyngeal (mouth and throat), anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. HPV is a virus that infects skin and mucous membranes, and while many infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to cancer development over time.
**Cervical cancer** is the most well-known HPV-related cancer and is strongly associated with persistent infection by high-risk HPV strains. Although cervical cancer often develops earlier in life, it can still affect older women, especially if precancerous changes were not detected or treated earlier. Screening guidelines often recommend stopping routine cervical cancer screening after age 65 if prior tests have been normal, but those with a history of abnormal results or inadequate screening may remain at risk.
**Oropharyngeal cancers**, which affect the mouth and throat, have become increasingly common in older adults and are now the majority of HPV-related cancers in men. These cancers arise in the tonsils, base of the tongue, and other parts of the throat. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers tend to develop many years after initial infection, often appearing in seniors due to the long latency period of the virus.
**Anal cancer** is another HPV-linked cancer that can occur in seniors. It is more common in individuals with a history of receptive anal intercourse, immunosuppression, or other risk factors. Persistent HPV infection in the anal canal can cause precancerous lesions that may progress to cancer over time.
**Vulvar and vaginal cancers** in older women can also be caused by HPV. These cancers are less common than cervical cancer but still significant. HPV-related vulvar and vaginal cancers tend to develop slowly and may be preceded by visible precancerous changes.
**Penile cancer** is a rarer HPV-associated cancer that affects older men. Like other HPV-related cancers, it develops after persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, often over many years.
HPV spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Many adults are exposed to HPV at some point, but the virus often remains dormant or is cleared by the immune system. When the virus persists, it can cause cellular changes that may eventually lead to cancer, typically over a span of 10 to 20 years or more.
In seniors, the risk of HPV-related cancers is influenced by factors such as immune system changes with age, previous exposure to HPV, and whether they received HPV vaccination earlier in life. Unfortunately, awareness about the link between HPV and cancers beyond cervical cancer remains limited among many adults, which can affect prevention and early detection efforts.
While there is no treatment for the HPV infection itself, cancers caused by HPV are treated similarly to other cancers of the same type. Early detection through screening and vaccination before exposure remain the most effective strategies to reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers across all age groups, including seniors.