You may wonder why your sexual history is discussed as part of
your cancer risk. In a nutshell, the reason is the Human
Papilloma Virus or HPV. While many women are aware that HPV is
the cause of cervical cancer and dysplasia, many are not aware
that HPV is a cause of cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis ,
anus and oral cavity (most often the tongue, tonsils, uvula, or
oral cavity). While HPV is referred to as a sexually transmitted
disease, you do not need to have intercourse to contract HPV or
spread it to your partner. Although experts do not know all the
ways HPV is spread, we do know it can be passed on during
vaginal or anal penetration, oral sex (with either men or
women), genital skin-to-skin sexual contact or genital touching
(masturbation). While condom use may decrease areas that are
exposed, it cannot prevent exposure completely since HPV can be
found on the scrotum, inner thigh and vulva. Additionally, some
evidence indicates that HPV may be able to travel through
condoms. Over 130 types of HPV ha