Abstract
The results of 3 recent randomized controlled trials in Africa showing the benefit of male circumcision in halving HIV incidence in men are drawing attention to the role of circumcision in preventing other sexually transmitted infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens and is an important cause of anogenital and other malignancies. HPV-associated cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in many developing countries and is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Anal cancer is also strongly linked to HPV infection. Although anal cancer is rare in the general population it is increasing in incidence. The incidence of anal cancer is especially high among women with a history of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer HIV-positive individuals men who have sex with men and transplant recipients. HPV-associated penile squamous cell carcinoma is also rare but is more common in the developing world. Preventing HPV infection via male circumcision is compelling not only because it may prevent penile warts and the relatively rare penile cancer in men but also because it will likely have greater impact on preventing cervical anal and other HPV-associated malignancies in female and male sex partners of HPV-infected men. (excerpt)
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