• What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
• How does someone get HPV?
• What is the link between HPV and cancer of the cervix?
• How do I know if I have an HPV type that is linked to cancer of the cervix?
• Are there treatments?
• What things increase the risk of developing cancer of the cervix from HPV infection?
• How can I help reduce my risk of HPV infection?
• Coping with HPV
• HPV Vaccine (9-26 years of age)

The Ontario Cervical Screening Program cannot provide help with individual medical questions.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common family of viruses, with over 100 “types”
• Some Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types can cause ordinary and genital warts, but rarely cause cancer.
• Other Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types can cause cancer of the cervix and some other rare cancers, e.g. penis, vulva, anus or mouth etc.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is most often found in and around the genital organs (the penis, vagina, anus, etc.)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection usually goes away by itself.

How does someone get HPV?

• HPV is very common – about 3 out of 4 people who have had sex have been exposed to HPV at some time.
• The virus can pass between two people, mostly through sexual activity but also by skin-to-skin contact.
• HPV can be transmitted by sexual contact with women or men.
• Usually there are no symptoms, and people do not know they have HPV. This makes it hard to know how and when you were exposed to the virus.
• Comdoms offer some protection, but HPV may be present on skin that is not covered.

What is the link between HPV and cancer of the cervix?

• Some HPV types can cause cell changes in the cervix (infections) that may slowly lead to cancer if they are not found and treated.
• Infection with HPV that does not go away (“persistent”) is necessary for the development of cervical cancer.
• Most women who have been exposed to HPV do NOT develop cancer of the cervix.

How do I know if I have an HPV type that is linked to cancer of the cervix?

• If you are over 30 and your Pap test shows mild cell changes, your doctor may suggest an HPV test so you both have more information.
• HPV testing is NOT recommended for moderate or severe cell changes, as your doctor will refer you to a specialist.
• An HPV test can tell if you have one or more HPV types that may cause cancer of the cervix.
• An HPV test is not usually done on women under the age of 30 because HPV infection is very common in younger women and usually goes away on its own.
• HPV testing is not presently covered by OHIP.

Are there treatments?

• Your own body's defenses (immune system) will often fight off HPV.
• There are treatments for cell changes in the cervix (infections) that are caused by HPV. These changes will show up on your Pap test. Your doctor or healthcare provider will discuss your choices, including treatment.
• If you have genital warts that do not go away, talk to your doctor or nurse about treatment options.

What things increase the risk of developing cancer of the cervix from HPV infection?

• A weakened immune system (which can be caused by HIV, chemotherapy or an organ transplant)
• Smoking tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke
• Using birth control pills for more than five years
• More than five full-term pregnancies
• Other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or herpes simplex virus 2
• Poor diet (especially one that is low in antioxidants)

How can I help reduce my risk of HPV infection?

If you are sexually active, it is hard to prevent exposure to HPV but you can reduce your risk. Your risk of HPV infection may increase if:

• You start sexual activity at an early age
• You start a new sexual relationship
• You or your partner has had a number of intimate partners
• Regular condom use and safer sex provide some protection from HPV. Using condoms are effective protection against other sexually transmitted infections.

Coping with HPV

• Finding out that you have HPV may be upsetting. It is important to remember that HPV is very common.
• Many people with HPV have had only one or two sexual partners and have no other risk factors for HPV.
• Tell your partner that you have HPV. They may need more information from their health care provider or treatment for genital warts.
• Most importantly, remember to follow through on your treatment plan.

HPV Vaccine (9-26 years of age)

• Ask your doctor about receiving a vaccine that protects against two of many HPV types that cause most cervical cancer.
• You will need three shots over a six-month period.
• Starting with the 2007 school year, HPV vaccine will be offered to grade eight females as part of the voluntary school-based immunization program in Ontario schools.
• At this time, since OHIP does not cover the cost of the vaccine, everyone else must pay between $400 to $500 for the vaccine.
• The vaccine is still being tested to see if it will be effective in males.