In short
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus passed on through close skin and sexual contact. Most infections clear naturally, but a few high-risk types can slowly cause cervical cell changes that may lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against these types and is offered free to all children aged 11 to 13 in the UK.
Almost every case of cervical cancer is linked to a virus called HPV. That sounds alarming, but it is actually good news: because we know the cause, we can prevent most cervical cancer through vaccination and screening. Understanding HPV takes away a lot of the fear around it.
HPV is extremely common — most people who have ever been sexually active will come into contact with it at some point. In the vast majority of cases the body clears it naturally and nothing happens at all.
What HPV is and how it links to cancer?
HPV is a group of very common viruses spread through close skin-to-skin and sexual contact. There are many types. Most cause no problems, and the body's immune system usually clears the infection within a year or two without you ever knowing you had it.
A small number of 'high-risk' HPV types are different. If one of these lingers for a long time, it can slowly cause changes to the cells of the cervix. Over many years — often a decade or more — these changes can sometimes develop into cervical cancer. The long timescale is exactly why screening, which catches these changes early, works so well.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, as well as types that cause genital warts and some other cancers. In the UK it is offered free through schools to all children aged 11 to 13 — both girls and boys — because the virus affects everyone and vaccinating both protects the whole community.
The vaccine works best when given before someone becomes sexually active, which is why it is offered young. People who missed it at school can usually still get it free from the NHS up to the age of 25.
Why both boys and girls are vaccinated?
HPV does not only cause cervical cancer. It is also linked to cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and some head and neck cancers, as well as genital warts. Vaccinating boys as well as girls protects them directly and reduces the spread of the virus overall — helping protect everyone, including those who cannot be vaccinated.
What are the key takeaways?
- Almost all cervical cancer is caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of HPV.
- HPV is very common, and in most people the body clears it naturally with no harm.
- The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types and is offered free to children aged 11 to 13 in the UK.
- The vaccine is given to both boys and girls, and missed doses are usually available free up to age 25.
- Vaccination plus cervical screening makes cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty puts them out of reach — so a treatable cancer too often becomes a fatal one. World Aid Network funds treatment through locally-licensed oncologists for patients who cannot pay.
Frequently asked questions
If I have HPV, does that mean I will get cervical cancer?
No. HPV is very common and in most people clears on its own without causing any harm. Only a small number of high-risk infections that persist for many years can lead to cervical changes, and screening is designed to catch those early. Having HPV detected means you will be monitored more closely, not that you have or will get cancer.
Can I have the HPV vaccine as an adult?
The vaccine is offered free in schools at age 11 to 13 because it works best before sexual activity begins. People who missed it can usually still get it free from the NHS up to age 25. Some adults outside this group can choose to pay for it privately — a GP or pharmacist can advise.
Do I still need screening if I have had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine protects against most but not all high-risk HPV types, so cervical screening is still important even if you have been vaccinated. The combination of vaccination and screening gives the strongest protection.
Why are boys given the HPV vaccine?
HPV causes several cancers that affect men, including some anal, penile and head and neck cancers, as well as genital warts. Vaccinating boys protects them directly and also reduces the spread of the virus, helping protect the whole population.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It was reviewed by the World Aid Network editorial team for accuracy against NHS and World Health Organization sources. Always speak to a GP or qualified clinician about your own health.