Can HPV Cause Breast Cancer? Research Shows Potential Link
Can HPV Cause Breast Cancer? Research Shows Potential Link
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes. It is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and it is also associated with other types of cancer, including vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential link between HPV and breast cancer. Although the evidence is still limited, some studies have suggested that HPV may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer.
What the research says
A number of studies have found that women with breast cancer are more likely to have HPV DNA in their breast tissue than women without breast cancer. However, it is important to note that these studies do not prove that HPV causes breast cancer. It is possible that HPV is simply a marker for other risk factors for breast cancer, such as smoking or alcohol consumption.
One of the largest studies to date on the link between HPV and breast cancer was published in the journal JAMA Oncology in 2017. The study included over 1,000 women with breast cancer and over 1,000 women without breast cancer. The researchers found that women with HPV DNA in their breast tissue were more likely to develop breast cancer than women without HPV DNA. However, the risk of breast cancer was still relatively small, even for women with HPV DNA.
What does this mean for women?
The evidence on the link between HPV and breast cancer is still limited, so it is not yet clear whether HPV is a cause of breast cancer. However, women should be aware of the potential risk and should talk to their doctor if they have any concerns.
How to reduce your risk of HPV
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of HPV infection, including:
* Getting vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine is available to both boys and girls and is recommended for all children at age 11 or 12.
* Using condoms during sex.
* Limiting your number of sexual partners.
* Avoiding sex with people who have multiple sexual partners.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of HPV infection and the potential risk of developing breast cancer.