Risk Factors

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The good news is cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable.

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)? 

 


HPV is a common virus that spreads through sexual contact. This includes intimate touching, oral, vaginal and anal sex. 

Most people will have an HPV infection at some point in their life and never know it. There are usually no symptoms. The majority of HPV infections don't cause any problems and are cleared by your body within two years. But sometimes, certain HPV types don’t clear on their own and can cause cells on your cervix to become abnormal. These abnormal cells may become cancer cells over time.

How can I prevent HPV?

 There are things you can do to lower your chances of getting or spreading HPV:

  • HPV vaccine: Consider getting the HPV vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing the most serious types of HPV infections. Learn more about the HPV vaccine. 
  • Use condoms: Although condoms don’t completely prevent you from getting HPV, they help lower your risk. They also protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
  • Don’t smoke: Smoking may hurt the body’s ability to fight off HPV and other infections.

Close up of HPV
Prevent HPV
Understand the science and how you can reduce your risk. 

HPV prevention