What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a group of around 200 viruses that affect the skin and moister areas of the body such as the cervix, anus, mouth and throat.
HPV
In this section you can access information about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the name for a group of viruses that affect the skin and moister areas of the body such as the cervix, anus, mouth and throat.
HPV is usually passed on through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. It causes 5% of all cancers in men and women as well as other diseases.
HPV has been recognised as the cause of cervical cancer. HPV is increasingly being acknowledged as a cause of certain cancers which affect the throat – notably Oropharyngeal Cancer. Professor Margaret Stanley OBE, one of our clinical advisory team experts, has stated if the current trends of HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer continue, the number of cases will exceed those of Cervical Cancer by 2020.
There has been a successful vaccination programme for girls in the UK since 2008. This is delivered through the school system and has ensured that there has been an excellent uptake of the vaccine, protecting girls from HPV related illnesses. The experts on our clinical advisory team have said that we should expand this vaccination programme to include males. There is more about that here.
As with all of our website this is for information only and should you have any concerns about HPV then you should seek advice from your GP or nearest sexual health clinic.
Why is HPV a problem?
HPV is generally passed from person to person via sexual contact. The virus is extremely contagious and is the most common STI in the world.
HPV vaccination
Once the link between HPV and cervical cancer was established, work began on creating a vaccine.
HPV and Throat Cancer
After our research into the information available to those diagnosed with a HPV-related cancer found that it was lacking we have created two guides – one for patients and one for medical professionals.
Frequently asked questions about HPV
FaQs about HPV What is HPV? HPV stands for human papillomavirus. A virus is a tiny germ which can pass
