HP Virus Increases Risk of Skin Cancer

A recent study involving 1, 561 people with various forms of skin cancer suggests that HPV viruses may increase the likelihood of skin cancer, especially to people who are on steroid medications.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) comes in two forms: a sexually transmitted type causes genital warts and cervical cancer, and other types spread without sexual contact and are known to cause non-genital warts.

The study, led by Margaret R. Karagas of Dartmouth Medical School, found a relationship between squamous cell carcinoma (a skin cancer) and types of HPV that test positively.

People diagnosed with the squamous cell carcinoma are more prone to be infected with various types of HPV, according to the study.

The study also found that long-term steroid medications increases the risk of HPV and the associated skin cancers.

The researchers claim there is no clear proof that links HPV to skin cancer, but that skin cancer can weaken immune systems, allowing certain HPV viruses to flourish.

Although the study can’t positively link HPV with skin cancer, preventing HPV may decrease the risk of skin cancer.