Dr Miriam Stoppard shares research from Glasgow University that could pave the way for alternative treatments for cervical cancer and some cancers of the vagina, penis and anus
They can be uncomfortable Âto talk about â and to treat. And Âalmost all cervical cancers and most cancers of the Âvagina, vulva, penis and anus, are caused by HPV, human papilloma virus.
Currently, most of these cancers or pre-cancers are treated by cutting or burning away the affected cells and some surrounding tissue. This is Âeffective but can cause discomfort, bleeding and inflammation.
Treating the cervix like this also increases the risk of premature birth if the woman becomes Âpregnant.
Certain variants of HPV also cause genital warts, a sexually Âtransmitted infection that affects 3-4% of adults. Genital warts tend to be frozen off but sometimes require multiple Âtreatments and may return.