Des Moines, Iowa – Research from Des Moines University has found cancers related to HPV – the human papillomavirus – are rising faster in rural areas. The study looked at HPV-related cancer rates in Iowa and 19 other states over 20 years. Des Moines University professor Dr. Jason Semprini says the study found HPV-related cancer rates in urban areas remained steady – but there was a 50 percent increase in cases in rural areas.