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Use our guide below in discussion with your health care professional.
Download HPV prevention guideThe human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly contagious virus and the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.
HPV can lead to five different cancers in women: cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and head and neck cancer. It can also cause genital warts.
Whether your partner(s) is male or female, there’s a risk for both you and your partner(s) of transmission of HPV.
Nearly 100% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.
1,400 Canadian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.
You can reduce your risk of contracting HPV by using a condom during sex, quitting smoking, and ensuring that you’ve been vaccinated against HPV.
Vaccination helps prevent most HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Speak to your partner(s), as they should also be vaccinated against HPV.
It’s never too late to get the HPV vaccine. Even if you’ve previously been exposed to HPV or had an HPV-related precancer or cancer, the guidelines are clear – there’s always benefit to reducing your risk of HPV recurrence.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends the HPV vaccine from 9 years of age onwards. There is no upper age limit.
In addition to getting your HPV vaccine, it’s important to get regular Pap tests. A Pap test identifies abnormal cell changes on the cervix, which could lead to cervical cancer.