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What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. There are over 200 different types of HPV, and most infections clear up on their own. However, some types of the virus, known as high-risk HPV, can cause cellular changes and cancer.
How the HPV vaccine works
The HPV vaccine protects against the virus by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific types of HPV. The vaccine can prevent new HPV infections, but it cannot treat an ongoing infection or already established cellular changes.
Which cancers does the HPV vaccine protect against?
Cervical cancer
More than 90 percent of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. The vaccine has shown very positive preventive results against both HPV infection and precancerous changes.
Anal cancer
Anal cancer is also often caused by HPV. Around 90% of cases are related to HPV, primarily HPV type 16. Vaccination reduces the risk in both men and women.
Throat and tonsil cancer (oropharyngeal cancer)
A growing proportion of cancers of the throat and tonsils have been shown to be caused by HPV. In the Western world, up to 60–70 percent of these cancers can be linked to HPV, and men are affected more often than women.
Penile cancer
Approximately 40–50 percent of all cases of penile cancer are caused by HPV, mainly HPV type 16. The disease is rare, but vaccination can help further reduce the risk.
Vulvar and vaginal cancer
HPV causes up to 70 percent of all cancers of the external and internal female genital organs outside the cervix, including the vulva and vagina.
Who should get vaccinated?
Both girls and boys should be vaccinated. The HPV vaccine provides the best protection before sexual debut, but people who have already had sex are also recommended to get vaccinated. Since a person is rarely exposed to all the HPV types covered by the vaccine, vaccination is often still beneficial.
When should you seek medical care?
Be alert to symptoms such as bleeding, persistent sores, lumps, or pain in the genital area, anus, throat, or pharynx. Always participate in the screening programs offered, such as cervical cancer screening. This is an effective way to detect the virus early.
Can HPV be prevented?
Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. Regular screening and condom use also reduce the risk, but do not provide complete protection against HPV.
Related conditions
HPV can also cause genital warts and cellular changes that do not develop into cancer, but may still require monitoring and treatment.