HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Protect your health today—and help prevent cancer tomorrow.
HPV is one of the most common viruses people can get through intimate skin-to-skin contact. HPV can affect people of all ages. In fact, most people will have HPV at some point in their lives—often without even knowing it.
The good news? There are simple, effective ways to protect yourself and your family.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that can affect different parts of the body. Some types are harmless, while others are considered “high-risk” because they can lead to cancer over time.
Most HPV infections go away on their own. But when they don’t, they can cause changes in the body that may develop into cancer if not detected early.
HPV is linked to several types of cancer, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer
- Anal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers
Many of these cancers don’t show symptoms right away, which is why prevention and screening are so important.
Prevention Starts here
The most powerful tool we have against HPV is prevention. HPV vaccination can help prevent up to 6 types of cancer caused by the virus—making it one of the most impactful cancer prevention tools available today.
The vaccine is:
- Recommended for children starting from ages 9–12
- Available for teens and adults up to age 45
- Most effective before exposure to HPV
Screening Matters
For female patients, routine screenings like Pap tests, cervical exams and HPV testing can detect changes early—before they turn into cancer.
Even if you’ve been vaccinated for HPV, screening is still important.