HPV-Associated Cancer Statistics
Based on data from 2015 to 2019, about 47,199 new HPV-associated cancers occur in the United States each year: 26,177 among women, and 21,022 among men. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among women, and oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) are the most common among men.
HPV-associated cancers are estimated by examining cancer in parts of the body and cancer cell types that are more likely to be caused by HPV. Cancer registries do not collect data on the presence or absence of HPV in cancer tissue at the time of diagnosis.
In general, HPV is thought to be responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers. Oropharyngeal cancers traditionally have been caused by tobacco and alcohol, but recent studies show that about 70% of cancers of the oropharynx may be linked to HPV. Many cancers of the oropharynx may be caused by a combination of tobacco, alcohol, and HPV.
The Data Visualizations tool makes it easy for anyone to explore and use the latest official federal government cancer data from United States Cancer Statistics. It includes the latest cancer data covering the U.S. population.
The Data Visualizations tool shows rates for HPV-associated cancers among women, among men, and among women and men combined for all HPV-associated cancers combined and by cancer type.
Each year, about 47,199 new cases of cancer are found in parts of the body where human papillomavirus (HPV) is often found. HPV causes about 37,300 of these cancers.
Cervical cancer is usually diagnosed at younger ages than other HPV-associated cancers. HPV-associated anal and oropharyngeal cancers generally are diagnosed at slightly younger ages in men than in women.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancers Associated with Human Papillomavirus, United States, 2015–2019. United States Cancer Statistics Data Brief 2022;31.