Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is very common. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and other types can cause cancer, including cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis or anus, as well as cancer in the back of the throat.
In the U.S., HPV infections are estimated to cause about 37,300 cases of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of these cancers from ever developing.
Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The types of HPV that cause genital warts are usually spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or possibly oral sex with someone who has this infection.
The FDA recently approved HPV testing using self-collected samples. Experts hope allowing people to collect their own samples will increase screening rates.
Cervical Health Awareness Month in January is a time to learn about cervical health and cancer prevention. The World Health Organization has a plan for the elimination of cervical cancer through vaccination and screening—we can get there!
