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:
Fast Facts
There are over 100 different types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. 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.
The “high-risk” HPV types are linked to the development of cancer. The “low-risk” types that cause genital warts are almost never found with cancers.
While HPV can cause disease, most HPV infections do not cause symptoms that are noticeable—so most people will never know they have the virus.
HPV is very common, and nearly all sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives. About 79 million people are thought to have an active HPV infection at any given time.
Sexually transmitted HPV is spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an infection. HPV can infect anyone who has ever had a sexual encounter.
HPV can be contracted from one partner, remain dormant (or “asleep”), and then later be unknowingly transmitted to another sexual partner, including a spouse.
Since HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact and not through the exchange of bodily fluids, condoms can reduce–but not totally eliminate–the risk of HPV transmission.
In most cases, the virus is harmless and most people have no symptoms. The body clears most HPV infections naturally. But certain high-risk types can lead to cancer. In the case of cervical cancer, regular screening can catch any abnormal cell changes caused by HPV that can be treated before they lead to cancer.
Current estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that HPV causes more than 39,000 cases of cancer every year in the United States. HPV vaccination can prevent 90% of these cancers by preventing the infections that cause them. HPV infections have already dropped in recent years due to vaccination—HPV infections, genital warts, and cervical pre-cancers have all dropped since the vaccine has been available in the U.S. Learn more about HPV vaccination.
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.
Though usually harmless, some types of HPV cause cervical lesions that, over a period of time, can develop into cancer if untreated.
There’s a new way to screen for cervical cancer—no pelvic exam, stirrups, or speculum involved.
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.
Though usually harmless, some types of HPV cause cervical lesions that, over a period of time, can develop into cancer if untreated.
There’s a new way to screen for cervical cancer—no pelvic exam, stirrups, or speculum involved.
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.
Though usually harmless, some types of HPV cause cervical lesions that, over a period of time, can develop into cancer if untreated.
There’s a new way to screen for cervical cancer—no pelvic exam, stirrups, or speculum involved.
Listen as cervical cancer survivors discuss diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, and offer advice to others facing a diagnosis.
Australia has been a leader in cervical cancer prevention for decades and is now close to eliminating the disease.
Both ACS and HRSA agree that HPV screening with self collected samples is an acceptable option.
A study has found a dramatic drop in the rates of cervical pre-cancers in young adult women—evidence that the HPV vaccine is working.
Listen as cervical cancer survivors discuss diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, and offer advice to others facing a diagnosis.
Australia has been a leader in cervical cancer prevention for decades and is now close to eliminating the disease.
Both ACS and HRSA agree that HPV screening with self collected samples is an acceptable option.
A study has found a dramatic drop in the rates of cervical pre-cancers in young adult women—evidence that the HPV vaccine is working.
Listen as cervical cancer survivors discuss diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, and offer advice to others facing a diagnosis.
Australia has been a leader in cervical cancer prevention for decades and is now close to eliminating the disease.
Both ACS and HRSA agree that HPV screening with self collected samples is an acceptable option.
A study has found a dramatic drop in the rates of cervical pre-cancers in young adult women—evidence that the HPV vaccine is working.
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?
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 11,270 new cases of anal cancer in the U.S. in 2026, with approximately 1,700 deaths.
A new study revealed a disturbing trend in health knowledge; fewer people seem to understand the connection between HPV and certain types of cancer including cervical, oral, anal, and penile cancers.
Read stories from three men on their personal experiences with HPV-related 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?
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 11,270 new cases of anal cancer in the U.S. in 2026, with approximately 1,700 deaths.
A new study revealed a disturbing trend in health knowledge; fewer people seem to understand the connection between HPV and certain types of cancer including cervical, oral, anal, and penile cancers.
Read stories from three men on their personal experiences with HPV-related 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?
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 11,270 new cases of anal cancer in the U.S. in 2026, with approximately 1,700 deaths.
A new study revealed a disturbing trend in health knowledge; fewer people seem to understand the connection between HPV and certain types of cancer including cervical, oral, anal, and penile cancers.
Read stories from three men on their personal experiences with HPV-related cancer.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
ABOUT
GET INVOLVED
ASHA WEBSITES
GET HELP
© 2026 American Sexual Health Association
We need to know if we can keep you company during this visit. We are useful for making this site work.