References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Long-term or chronic infection with certain STIs can increase the risk of cancers in the reproductive and urinary tracts. HPV is the most well-known example, linked to cervical, anal, penile, vulval and throat cancers. Hepatitis B and C are linked to liver cancer, and HIV can raise the risk of several cancers through its effect on the immune system. Early detection and treatment reduce these risks significantly.
Here’s the link and how to protect yourself.
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STIs Linked to Cancer
| STI | Cancers Linked |
|---|---|
| HPV (high-risk types) | Cervical, anal, vulval, vaginal, penile, throat |
| Hepatitis B | Liver cancer |
| Hepatitis C | Liver cancer |
| HIV | Lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, several others indirectly |
| HPV + HIV | Higher rates of anal cancer in MSM with HIV |
HPV and Urogenital Cancer
HPV causes the majority of cervical cancers and a significant proportion of other urogenital and throat cancers. Key facts:
- Most people clear HPV naturally within 1-2 years
- Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the risk factor
- Cell changes develop over years before becoming cancer
- Screening catches changes early, when treatment is easy
Hepatitis and Liver Cancer
Chronic hepatitis B and C are major causes of liver cancer worldwide. The risk builds up over decades. Prevention and treatment significantly reduce risk:
- Hepatitis B vaccination prevents infection
- Suppressive treatment reduces cancer risk in chronic infection
- Hepatitis C is now curable in over 95% of cases
- Liver cancer screening for people with cirrhosis
HIV and Cancer
HIV raises the risk of several cancers, including:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
- Cervical cancer (AIDS-defining in the context of HIV)
- Anal cancer
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Lung cancer (partly related to smoking)
Effective ART dramatically reduces these risks.
Prevention
- HPV vaccination — prevents the main cancer-causing types
- Hepatitis B vaccination — prevents infection
- Regular cervical screening — catches pre-cancer changes
- Anal screening for higher-risk groups
- Prompt HIV treatment — supports immune surveillance
- Stop smoking — reduces most cancer risks
- Limit alcohol — reduces liver cancer risk
Screening Recommendations
- Women under 25 — not routinely screened for cervical cancer
- Women 25-49 — screening every 3 years
- Women 50-64 — screening every 5 years
- Women with HIV — annual cervical screening
- MSM with HIV — ask about anal screening availability
- People with cirrhosis — liver cancer screening every 6 months
Read more: Clearing HPV | Cervical screening and HIV | Anal cancer and HIV
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having HPV mean I’ll get cancer?
No. Most HPV infections clear naturally. Only persistent infection with certain high-risk types raises cancer risk.
Can HPV vaccination help if I already have HPV?
Yes. It protects against types you haven’t yet encountered and is still worth having.
Is liver cancer inevitable with hepatitis?
No. Vaccination, treatment and monitoring prevent most cases. Modern hepatitis C treatment cures infection and greatly reduces long-term cancer risk.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
