World Head & Neck Cancer Day
Just the Facts About HPV
The 27th of July marks World Head and Neck Cancer Day. Although this type of cancer has traditionally been linked to smoking and heavy drinking, in recent years HPV (human papillomavirus) has become the leading cause.
HPV is one of the world's most widespread viral infections usually resulting from direct skin-to-skin contact during intimate sexual contact with someone who has the virus. In most people the virus is harmless and causes no symptoms. However, in some people, HPV can cause genital warts, and in other people, it may cause abnormal cells which can sometimes lead to precancer or cancer, including cervical, vaginal, vulval, anal, penile and head and neck cancers.
Read on below to find out why HPV affects almost all of us at some time in our life.
What is HPV?
HPV is short for human papillomavirus, the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 150 different types that cause infection on the surface of the skin. More than 40 HPV types infect the anogenital area (vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and anus) and throat (pharynx and larynx) and the majority are sexually transmitted. In most people the virus is harmless and causes no symptoms.
HPV Prevention
HPV is the 'common cold' of being sexually active. This means that the virus doesn't care who we are, or who we choose to have sex with. Most of us will be sharing HPV with our fellow human beings. The risk of acquiring genital warts and HPV-related cancers can be reduced. Together we can help eliminate the virus for future generations.
Just the Facts about Throat Cancer
Find out the key facts about:
- Oral HPV infection
- Whether oral HPV can be transmitted to others
- HPV vaccination
- Further information & support
Find out more
Everything you need to know about HPV is in our information pamphlets and on our website.
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