Know & Glow

HPV is a common virus with significant cancer impacts in LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn about screening and prevention to stay ahead of risk.

What Is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact. HPV infection can lead to cancer (cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, throat, etc.) and genital warts. While many infections clear on their own, certain types of HPV can cause cancer. In LGBTQIA+ communities, HPV-related cancers are more likely to be missed or diagnosed later due to gaps in screening, limited provider awareness, and care that isn’t always inclusive of diverse bodies and sexual practices.

HPV can lead to

Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers
Anal cancer
Penile cancer
Throat cancer
Genital warts

Common Myth

In the past, the HPV vaccine was mainly recommended for girls, leaving many boys and people AMAB unvaccinated and confused about their risk. The HPV vaccine is for everyone, not just girls.

Why HPV Matters

HPV is linked to several cancers that affect LGBTQIA+ communities at higher rates. Misinformation and gaps in healthcare have made this problem worse — especially for queer people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and people living with HIV.

In the past, the HPV vaccine was mainly recommended for girls. This left many boys and people AMAB unvaccinated and confused about their risk. Even now, many people do not know that:

The HPV vaccine is for everyone, not just girls.

HPV can spread via sex between women and other people assigned female at birth (AFAB).

Vaccination can reduce cancer risk for many through age 46.

While it’s highest impact when received before sexual activity begins it still reduces cancer risk when received later.

If you are 26 or under, get the vaccine now.

If you are 27-46, talk to your provider first.

Trans and gender-diverse people may also miss screenings

because of stigma, dysphoria, or lack of access to affirming care.

Having both HIV and HPV increases the risk of certain cancers

especially anal and throat cancers, which makes prevention and screening even more important.

Download The Info Sheet

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The HPV vaccine is approved for people of all genders and sexual orientations. While it works best when given before a person is exposed to the virus, it still reduces risk later.

The vaccine is recommended for teens and young adults, but has been proven to reduce risk in people up through age 46. Adults who did not get the vaccine early in life may still benefit from later vaccination, especially those at higher risk.

A healthcare provider can help you decide if the vaccine or extra screening tests are right for you based on your personal risk.

Under 27

If you are under 27, get vaccinated.

Between age 27 - 46

Talk to your doctor

Next Step

Get fully vaccinated against HPV

Who Should Get Screened?

Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed to HPV. Screening is especially important for people whose anatomy, sexual practices, or health history place them at higher risk for HPV-related cancers.

Living with HIV

If you are living with HIV, be extra careful about screening for anal and throat cancers, including getting an annual anal exam.

Next Step

Keep up with recommended cancer screenings.

Cancers Linked To HPV

- Cervical cancer – Almost all cases are caused by high-risk HPV.

- Anal cancer – Most cases are linked to HPV.

- Penile cancer – Many cases are caused by HPV.

- Mouth and throat (oropharyngeal) cancers – HPV is a major cause, even in people who do not smoke or drink heavily.

- Colorectal cancer – Research shows there is a likely link here.

Who Is At Risk?

Risk is influenced by immune health and sexual practices, not sexual orientation or gender identity alone.

People who may face higher risk for HPV-related cancers include:

People living with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system

People with a history of HPV-related dysplasia (abnormal cells) or cancer

People with a history of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap results

People who have had multiple sexual partners or receptive anal intercourse

What To Expect From Screening

Screening looks for cell changes caused by HPV before they become cancer.

1. Initial Screening

Depending on anatomy and risk factors, screening may include:

Cervical Pap tests or colposcopy to detect abnormal cervical cells
Anal Pap tests to identify precancerous anal cell changes in higher-risk individuals

2. What the Test Involves

These tests rely on swabbing an area or using a probe to look at the area more closely.

While tests may be uncomfortable, they should not be painful.

3. If Abnormal Cells Are Found

Follow-up testing or high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) can be used if abnormal cells are found.

HPV Resources from Our Library

Find More Resources

Risk Assessment

Take the LGBTQIA+ Cancer Network risk assessment to learn what you can do to improve your health and lower your risk of HPV- and HIV-related cancers.

Your risk depends on several factors. Some of these are things you can control. For example, you can lower your risk by not using tobacco, eating healthy foods, limiting alcohol and drug use, getting the HPV vaccine, and practicing safer sex.

Other risk factors cannot be controlled. For example, having a weakened immune system can increase your risk.

Getting regular screening tests can also help find problems early and lower your risk.

How do you know if you are at risk?
Take the risk assessment to learn what may affect your personal risk and what steps you can take to stay healthy.

You must be 18 years or older to take this assessment.