What is HPV?
HPV is short for human papillomavirus. HPVs are called papillomaviruses because some HPV types cause papillomas (warts), which are non-cancerous tumors. But some types of HPV are known to cause cancer, including cancers of the cervix (the base of the womb at the top of the vagina), vagina, vulva (the area around the outside of the vagina), penis, anus, and parts of the mouth and throat. HPV is spread mainly by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity. It’s not spread through blood or body fluids. It can be spread even when an infected person has no visible signs or symptoms.
How common is HPV infection?
HPV is a very common virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 79 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States, and about 14 million people in the US get a new HPV infection every year. About 85% of people will be infected with at least one type of genital HPV at some time in their lives. Even people who have only had sex with one person in their lifetime can get HPV. In most people, the body clears the infection on its own. But sometimes, the infection doesn’t go away. Chronic, or long-lasting infection, especially when it’s caused by certain high-risk HPV types, can cause cancer over time.
How prevalent are cancers caused by HPV?
Based on data from 2015-2019, approximately 47,200 HPV-associated cancer cases occur in the United States each year, with 35,500 of these cases directly attributable to HPV. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among women. Each year, about 13,000 women are diagnosed in the U.S., and about 4,300 die from the disease. HPV infection in women can also lead to anal, oropharyngeal (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils), vulvar and vaginal cancer. Among men, HPV-associated cancers include anal and oropharyngeal cancer, which are the most common, as well as penile cancer. According to the New York State Department of Health, there are more than 2800 cases of HPV-related cancers each year in the state.
Can HPV-related diseases be prevented?
HPV vaccines can prevent infection with the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer and genital warts, although the vaccines are most effective when given at a younger age (in older children and teens). Condoms can offer some protection from HPV infection, but HPV might be on skin that’s not covered by the condom. And condoms must be used every time, from start to finish. The virus can spread during direct skin-to-skin contact before the condom is put on, and male condoms don’t protect the entire genital area, especially for women. The female condom covers more of the vulva in women but hasn’t been studied as carefully for its ability to protect against HPV. Condoms are very helpful, though, in protecting against other infections that can be spread through sexual activity.
When should children be vaccinated to protect against HPV?
Children between ages 9 and 12 should be vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine can be started at age 9. Recent evidence suggests that beginning the series at age 9-10 increases on-time vaccination and leads to optimized cancer prevention. Adolescents and young adults at ages 13-26 who have not been vaccinated or who have not completed the series should get vaccinated at first opportunity. Health care providers should inform young adults that getting the HPV vaccine at older ages is less effective in lowering cancer risk and requires more shots. Starting at age 15, adolescents require 3 doses of the HPV vaccine. Women who have been vaccinated should continue to follow cervical cancer screening recommendations.
HPV FAQ
What is HPV?
HPV is short for human papillomavirus. HPVs are called papillomaviruses because some HPV types cause papillomas (warts), which are non-cancerous tumors. But some types of HPV are known to cause cancer, including cancers of the cervix (the base of the womb at the top of the vagina), vagina, vulva (the area around the outside of the vagina), penis, anus, and parts of the mouth and throat. HPV is spread mainly by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity. It’s not spread through blood or body fluids. It can be spread even when an infected person has no visible signs or symptoms.
How common is HPV infection?
HPV is a very common virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 79 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States, and about 14 million people in the US get a new HPV infection every year. About 85% of people will be infected with at least one type of genital HPV at some time in their lives. Even people who have only had sex with one person in their lifetime can get HPV. In most people, the body clears the infection on its own. But sometimes, the infection doesn’t go away. Chronic, or long-lasting infection, especially when it’s caused by certain high-risk HPV types, can cause cancer over time.
How prevalent are cancers caused by HPV?
Based on data from 2015-2019, approximately 47,200 HPV-associated cancer cases occur in the United States each year, with 35,500 of these cases directly attributable to HPV. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among women. Each year, about 13,000 women are diagnosed in the U.S., and about 4,300 die from the disease. HPV infection in women can also lead to anal, oropharyngeal (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils), vulvar and vaginal cancer. Among men, HPV-associated cancers include anal and oropharyngeal cancer, which are the most common, as well as penile cancer. According to the New York State Department of Health, there are more than 2800 cases of HPV-related cancers each year in the state.
Can HPV-related diseases be prevented?
HPV vaccines can prevent infection with the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer and genital warts, although the vaccines are most effective when given at a younger age (in older children and teens). Condoms can offer some protection from HPV infection, but HPV might be on skin that’s not covered by the condom. And condoms must be used every time, from start to finish. The virus can spread during direct skin-to-skin contact before the condom is put on, and male condoms don’t protect the entire genital area, especially for women. The female condom covers more of the vulva in women but hasn’t been studied as carefully for its ability to protect against HPV. Condoms are very helpful, though, in protecting against other infections that can be spread through sexual activity.
When should children be vaccinated to protect against HPV?
Children between ages 9 and 12 should be vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine can be started at age 9. Recent evidence suggests that beginning the series at age 9-10 increases on-time vaccination and leads to optimized cancer prevention. Adolescents and young adults at ages 13-26 who have not been vaccinated or who have not completed the series should get vaccinated at first opportunity. Health care providers should inform young adults that getting the HPV vaccine at older ages is less effective in lowering cancer risk and requires more shots. Starting at age 15, adolescents require 3 doses of the HPV vaccine. Women who have been vaccinated should continue to follow cervical cancer screening recommendations.
Source: American Cancer Society