When we think of cancer, we think of smoking, alcohol, genetics and other things. Does anyone think of viruses? What if I were to tell you that there are viruses that cause cancer? Would you believe it? A virus is a very small organism that can’t be seen with a light microscope. It takes what is known as an electron microscope to see a virus. These viruses enter our cells and replicate by using our machinery. Viruses then insert their DNA or RNA into our cells and this is what can lead to cancer.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually transmitted disease in the world. In fact, most people who have had sex have been infected with HPV. For most, our immune system clears the virus, however, in those where immune surveillance fails cancer can develop. There are many types of this virus but certain ones are more apt to cause cancer. The HPV is what can contribute to genital warts, cervical cancer, anal, vaginal, vulva and even oropharyngeal head and neck carcinoma. Did you know that we are in an epidemic of head and neck cancers caused by the human papilloma virus? We are seeing more and more patients who are younger, non-drinkers and non-smokers (which typically contribute to the disease.)
Of importance is the fact that there are vaccines available against the human papilloma virus for those between the ages of 9 through 26. Vaccines, as you know help prevent disease. Could you imagine preventing a cancer simply by giving a vaccine? The problem is that there is too much misinformation out there along with too many scare tactics. We have an opportunity to protect the ones we love most, however, quite a few people fail to act on it. I know as a parent I will do everything to protect my children, so why not vaccinate? Our vaccination rates in all reality are dismal in my opinion.
Another virus implicated in cancer is the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV.) This virus can cause nasopharyngeal carcinoma which is a head and neck cancer along with lymphoma. This is the same virus that causes mononucleosis. This is an extremely common virus and almost all people are infected with it by their teen years. That being said, it is not common to get a cancer from it. Infection by no means is a guarantee that one of the aforementioned cancers will be diagnosed. It is rather the exception.
There are yet other viruses that can lead to cancer. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viruses passed through unprotected sex, sharing of needles, childbirth and very rarely blood. Our blood is screened very well today. Per the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute the odds of getting hepatitis B from a blood transfusion is 1 in 205,000. The odds of getting hepatitis C is 1 in 2,00,000. These viruses can lead to liver cancer. They contribute to cancer by the chronic infection/inflammation and eventually the cirrhosis that develops. It is important to know that there are millions infected with hepatitis in this Country but less than 5% will develop cancer. In those who develop cirrhosis about 1 in 5 will develop liver cancer.
There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B, however, not hepatitis C. As a health care worker I have had the hepatitis B vaccine which is a series of shots. Hepatitis B is less likely to contribute to cancer because it does not lead to chronic infection as frequently as hepatitis C, however, it is still possible.
There are other viruses that can cause cancer, however, these are much less common and therefore won’t be discussed in this blog. Should there be interest please contact me and I will be more than happy to discuss at a later date and time.