Can Cancer Be Transmitted Sexually?
Debunking a common myth: Cancer itself is not contagious — but certain sexually transmitted viruses can increase your risk of developing specific types of cancer. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself.
Table of Contents
- Cancer is not contagious.
- However, certain types of cancers are caused by sexually transmitted viruses
- Other viruses that can cause cancer
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
- Hepatitis B/C Viruses (HBV/HCV)
- Human Herpes Virus (HHV-8)
- Human T-lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV-1)
- Safeguarding yourself against cancers caused by viruses
This is the brain teaser that the Onco.com team is out to solve in this article.
Let’s take a look at the available facts! Cancer is not contagious.
The American Cancer Society says: Cancer is NOT contagious. A healthy person cannot “catch” cancer from someone who has it. There is no evidence that close contact or things like sex, kissing, touching, sharing meals, or breathing the same air can spread cancer from one person to another.
Source: American Cancer Society Guidelines
However, Certain Cancers Are Linked to Sexually Transmitted Viruses
While cancer itself doesn’t spread from person to person, some viruses that are transmitted sexually can increase your risk of developing cancer.
The most common example is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally.
Certain “high-risk” HPV types — notably HPV 16 and HPV 18 — are responsible for causing cervical cancer in women.
HPV can also cause anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers in both men and women.
👉 Good news: There are safe and effective HPV vaccines available today that protect against most cancer-causing strains of HPV. The vaccine is most effective when given before an individual becomes sexually active.
Other Viruses That Can Cause Cancer
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, weakens the immune system — making it harder for the body to fight infections and abnormal cell growth. People living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing:
Kaposi Sarcoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Cervical Cancer
Anal Cancer
HIV itself does not directly cause cancer, but by suppressing the immune system, it allows other oncogenic (cancer-causing) viruses to thrive.
2. Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)
EBV is a type of herpes virus best known for causing infectious mononucleosis (“mono”). In some people, long-term infection with EBV can lead to:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (a cancer of the throat behind the nose)
Burkitt’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Stomach cancer
3. Hepatitis B and C Viruses (HBV / HCV)
Both Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) can cause chronic liver infection. Over time, this can lead to liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.
These viruses are usually spread through unprotected sex, infected needles, or blood transfusions with unscreened blood. Safe sex, vaccination (for Hepatitis B), and avoiding needle sharing can significantly reduce this risk.
4. Human Herpes Virus–8 (HHV-8)
Also known as Kaposi Sarcoma–associated Herpes Virus (KSHV), HHV-8 is linked to Kaposi Sarcoma, a cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. The risk of developing this cancer increases dramatically in people who are also HIV-positive.
5. Human T-lymphotropic Virus–1 (HTLV-1)
HTLV-1 is a rare virus that can cause Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL), an uncommon but aggressive cancer of the immune system’s T-cells. The virus spreads through:
Sexual contact
Blood transfusion
Shared needles
Breastfeeding (from infected mothers)
Safeguarding Yourself Against Virus-Related Cancers
Here are some effective ways to protect yourself:
✅ Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available for HPV and Hepatitis B, both of which prevent cancers caused by these viruses.
✅ Practice safe sex: Use condoms and dental dams to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
✅ Limit the number of sexual partners: The more partners you have, the higher your risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections.
✅ Get screened regularly: Regular screening for HPV, HIV, and Hepatitis B/C helps detect infections early — before complications arise.
✅ Avoid needle sharing: Whether for tattoos, piercings, or drug use, always use sterilized needles.
✅ Maintain a strong immune system: A healthy diet, adequate sleep, exercise, and managing chronic conditions all play a role in cancer prevention.
Cancer cannot be transmitted sexually — but some sexually transmitted viruses can cause cancers over time. The key to prevention lies in awareness, vaccination, and safe practices.
If you have concerns about virus-related cancers or your personal risk, consult a medical professional or visit Onco.com to connect with a cancer specialist.
✅ Summary Takeaway:
You can’t “catch” cancer — but you can protect yourself from the viruses that may lead to it.
This is a part of our series of Cancer Mythbusters.