Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Prevention
Understanding Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the skin and inner tissues of the body. In many cases, the immune system clears the infection naturally. However, in some cases the infection doesn't go away.
There are different types of HPV, classified as either 'low-risk' or 'high-risk.' If the immune system doesn't clear the infection, high-risk types can lead to cancers including:-
- Cervical cancer
- Throat cancer
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers
About 13 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.
Preventing HPV-Associated Cancers
The HPV vaccine is one of the most powerful tools in cancer prevention. It’s safe, effective, and protects against up to 90% of HPV-related cancers. By protecting against the types of HPV that cause most cancers, it acts as a shield for your future health.
Facts and Figures:
- HPV is responsible for nearly 36,000 cases of cancer annually in the U.S.
- 80% of people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
- Vaccination before exposure provides the best protection.
HPV infections and cervical pre-cancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have dropped since 2006 due to the use of HPV vaccine.
- Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88%.
- Among young adult women, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 81%.
- Among vaccinated women, the percentage of cervical pre-cancers caused by the HPV types most often linked to cervical cancer has dropped by 40%.
What To Know About HPV Vaccine
- Cervical cancer (90% of cases)
- Throat and oral cancers
- Other genital cancers
- Ages 9–12: Routine vaccination is recommended.
- Ages 13–26: Catch-up vaccination for those not previously vaccinated.
- Ages 27–45: May benefit from vaccination after consulting a healthcare provider.
Men and women up to age 45 who haven’t received the HPV vaccine should consider getting it. Research shows that adults can acquire HPV at any age, as the risk remains equal across all age groups. An HPV infection before age 45 still has time to potentially develop into cancer during a person’s lifetime.
There are 14 high-risk HPV types that can cause cancer, with type 16 being the most common. However, all 14 types are linked to cancer. The HPV vaccine available in the U.S. protects against 7 high-risk types most associated with cancer and 2 low-risk types that cause other diseases.
Yes, the HPV vaccine can help prevent cancers related to HPV. If given before exposure the vaccine can prevent these cancers. It is, above all, a cancer vaccine. A recent study reported by U.S. News found a 62% drop in cervical cancer deaths over the last decade.
Both men and women of all ages carry an equal risk of acquiring HPV. The burden of HPV is changing. Previously, we understood women to carry a larger burden of disease due to the fact that it caused cervical cancer. In the last 10 years, epidemiology of HPV has shown a significant shift in the burden to men, and particularly older, white men. In the US, there are now more cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer than cervical cancer cases—and incidence of HPV-OPC is nearly 5x higher in men than women.
Resources
Many resources are available online to help you learn about HPV and the HPV vaccine. Whether you're seeking information about prevention, vaccination, managing HPV-related health concerns, seeking information about cervical cancer and HPV leading other cancers our health educators is here to provide you with information and support.