Health: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause of cervical cancer.
When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from harming.
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb).
In a small percentage of people, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.
At least 14 HPV types have been identified to have the potential to cause cancer. Among these, HPV types 16 and 18 are considered to be the most oncogenic, causing about 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases globally.

Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil): It protects against four types of HPV (HPV 16, 18, 6, and 11).
Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix): It protects against HPV 16 and 18 only.
Non-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9): It protects against nine strains of HPV.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin, genital area, and throat.

The vaccine has to be administered in adolescent girls before they are sexually active between the ages of 9 to 14 years. This is because the vaccine can only prevent the entry of the virus.
Boosting public awareness, and access to information and services are key to prevention and control across the life course.
Screening from the age of 30 can detect cervical disease, which when treated, also prevents cervical cancer.