Which cancers are associated with HPV infection and can be prevented by vaccination?

• A. Cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and other HPV-associated cancers.
• B. Lung cancer only
• C. Pancreatic cancer only
• D. Skin cancer only

Answer: (A)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is linked to several cancers, not just cervical cancer. Vaccines protect against the high‑risk HPV types that cause these cancers, so vaccination can prevent them from developing. The cancers most clearly tied to HPV include cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the oropharynx (the throat and tonsils), anal cancer, and other HPV‑related cancers in the genital region. By stopping infection with the high‑risk types, vaccines reduce the risk of these cancers arising.

Lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and skin cancer are not primarily caused by HPV infection. Lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking and other exposures; pancreatic cancer has different risk factors, and while some skin cancers relate to UV exposure, they are not mainly driven by HPV in the way HPV‑associated cancers are. So the vaccination’s preventive impact is most relevant to cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and other HPV‑related cancers.