HPV-Related Cancers: Are You Protected?
Human papillomavirus is a family of more than 100 types of viruses, some of which can lead to various forms of cancer. HPV infections are very common; it’s estimated that the majority of American adults will contract at least one kind of HPV virus in their lifetime.
Cancers caused by Human papillomavirus include:
cervical (nearly 100% of cases)
anal (more than 90% of cases)
vulvar (about 70% of cases)
throat (about 70% of cases)
penile (about 60% of cases)
vaginal (about 75% of cases)
Learn more about the causes and symptoms associated with human papillomavirus and HPV-related cancers, and ask your healthcare provider or campus student health services about the HPV vaccine.
How do HPV infections happen?
Most HPV infections occur after having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected person, but any skin-to-skin contact with infected areas can also transmit HPV infections.
Are ONLY WOMEN AFFECTED by HPv?
No. Of all annual HPV cases, 4 out of 10 infections occur in men.
What are the symptoms?
Infections with high-risk forms of human papillomavirus often don’t come with any noticeable symptoms.
Protect Yourself! Ask About the HPV Vaccine
There is currently no known treatment for HPV infections, including the forms that can lead to cancer. The Centers for Disease Control estimates the HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
why vaccinate against HPV?
Some forms of HPV infections can lead to cancer, and since there’s no treatment for HPV, immunization is the best form of prevention.
can I still get the vaccine if I’ve already been sexually active?
Yes! There are more than 100 different forms of human papillomavirus, and the vaccine can help protect you against the forms of HPV you haven’t yet contracted.
How long until I’m protected?
Children can start getting vaccinated against HPV as early as 9 years old, but when starting the immunization schedule at age 15 years or older, three doses of the HPV vaccine are needed.