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. Most men and women who have ever had sexual contact get 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?
Each year, there are approximately 27,000 cancers caused by HPV in the U.S. – about 17,600 in women and 9,300 in men. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among women. Each year, about 12,000 women are diagnosed in the U.S., and about 4,000 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. In New York, there are nearly 2400 cases of HPV-related cancers each year.
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?
Girls and boys should begin the HPV vaccine series at age 11 or 12. The vaccine can be given starting as early as age 9. Girls ages 13-26 and boys ages 13-26 who have not been vaccinated or who have not completed the series should get vaccinated. Men ages 22-26 may get the vaccine. Health care providers should inform men and women ages 22-26 that getting the HPV vaccine at older ages is less effective in lowering cancer risk. HPV vaccines are also recommended through age 26 for men who have sex with men and for women and men with weakened immune systems who did not get vaccinated previously or did not complete the vaccine series. 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. Most men and women who have ever had sexual contact get 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?
Each year, there are approximately 27,000 cancers caused by HPV in the U.S. – about 17,600 in women and 9,300 in men. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among women. Each year, about 12,000 women are diagnosed in the U.S., and about 4,000 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. In New York, there are nearly 2400 cases of HPV-related cancers each year.
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?
Girls and boys should begin the HPV vaccine series at age 11 or 12. The vaccine can be given starting as early as age 9. Girls ages 13-26 and boys ages 13-26 who have not been vaccinated or who have not completed the series should get vaccinated. Men ages 22-26 may get the vaccine. Health care providers should inform men and women ages 22-26 that getting the HPV vaccine at older ages is less effective in lowering cancer risk. HPV vaccines are also recommended through age 26 for men who have sex with men and for women and men with weakened immune systems who did not get vaccinated previously or did not complete the vaccine series. Women who have been vaccinated should continue to follow cervical cancer screening recommendations.
Source: American Cancer Society