The HPV Vaccine Prevents Cancer
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.
HPV FAQs with H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
Most sexually active individuals are estimated to have one or more infections in their lifetime with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and, not surprisingly, ASHA receives countless HPV questions like:
What should I tell a partner?
Will I always have it?
How are HPV tests used?
How well do vaccines work?
In this episode, H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, covers these and other common questions about HPV. Dr. Handsfield is Professor Emeritus of Medicine, University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD, and former director of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Program for Public Health—Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington.
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More to Explore
How to Prevent HPV and Cervical Cancer
Though usually harmless, some types of HPV cause cervical lesions that, over a period of time, can develop into cancer if untreated.
Australia is Closer to Ending Cervical Cancer
Australia has been a leader in HPV-prevention and cervical cancer screening for decades. Because of this, it is now close to eliminating cervical cancer entirely. However, recent drops in vaccination and screening rates threaten this progress.
Social Media Toolkit on Cervical Health
If you’re passionate about cervical health awareness, the resources here are for you. Advocacy around cervical health is especially relevant during national observances, including Cervical Health Awareness Month in January.
HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer
You have probably heard that HPV can cause cervical cancer. But did you know that it can also cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, and throat?
HPV Screening with Self Collection Endorsed by Two Organizations
At the end of 2025, the American Cancer Society released its new cervical cancer screening guidelines. In January 2026, the Health Resources and Services Administration endorsed a new set of guidelines as well. Both suggest HPV screening with self collected samples is an acceptable option.
Is One Shot of the HPV Vaccine Enough?
Research suggests that only one dose of the HPV vaccine may be effective enough to prevent HPV-related disease, including cancer.
ACS Releases New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
The American Cancer Society (ACS) released new recommendations for cervical cancer screening that focus on HPV testing and approve the use of self-collected samples. The recommendations also clarify the age at which screening should start and stop.
