Cancer More Cancer Types How HPV Is Associated With Penile Cancer By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD facebook twitter linkedin Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Susan Olender, MD on August 05, 2016 Susan Olender, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine. She is an assistant professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, where she is also on staff in the Division of Infectious Disease. Learn about our Medical Review Board Susan Olender, MD Updated on September 17, 2020 Print Not all penile cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). However, research suggests that many penis cancers probably are. Several studies have found that more than half of penile cancers test positive for high-risk HPV DNA. This is not the same as saying that HPV has caused any cancer in which it is found. Still, it is likely to be a contributing factor in many or most of such cancers. PeopleImages / Getty Images There is other evidence that HPV plays a significant role in the development of penis cancers. Scientists have also demonstrated that there is a behavioral component to penile cancer risk. At least one study has also found an association between penile cancer and heterosexual oral sex. Remember, oral sex is also associated with HPV infection, and oral cancer caused by HPV. That's another reason to suspect that HPV plays a significant role in penile cancer risk. It may not be a huge risk, overall. Still, it should give people additional motivation to use condoms for blow jobs, particularly when they can be so much fun to put on. Unfortunately, unlike at other sites, it is unclear whether HPV related penis cancers are more invasive than non-viral cancers. Some studies have shown that these cancers may be more likely to spread to the lymph nodes. This type of invasive cancer is generally associated with worse outcomes. Other studies, however, have found the opposite result. Namely, they've found that HPV-related tumors are less aggressive. Reducing Your Risk There are two basic ways to reduce your risk for HPV-related penis cancers. The first is to consistently practice safe sex. Using condoms for vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex will reduce the likelihood of you being exposed to penile HPV. The second thing you can do is consider getting an HPV vaccine. Admittedly, this is likely to be more useful for men who have not become sexually active. However, men who have had relatively few sexual partners may also benefit from HPV vaccination. (Men who have had many partners have likely been exposed already. HPV is an extremely common STD.) Other Risk Factors Penis cancer is also associated with other sexual risk factors as well as men's health conditions, such as phimosis and balanitis. Smoking and HIV are additional risk factors. Penile cancer is rare in industrialized nations but is much more common in Africa, South America, and Asia. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Madsen BS et al. 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