Skip to main content

Getting health care right

Health Equity 360: The HPV Vaccine Can Prevent Cancer

If you knew there was a vaccine that could protect your children against cancers that they’re going to be at risk for later in their lives, would you have your children immunized?

I did. The vaccine I’m referring to prevents infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Forms of the virus can cause:

  • Cancer of the cervix, vagina and vulva in women
  • Cancer of the penis in men
  • Cancer of the anus and back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer) and warts on the genitals, hands and feet — in both men and women

HPV Facts: A Quick Overview

There are 150 viruses in the HPV virus group. Here are things you should know about the human papillomavirus:

  • 85 — 90 percent of people will become infected with the human papillomavirus.
  • HPV is spread through intimate skin contact and sexual activity.
  • For most, HPV will go away on its own and not cause medical issues.
  • However, there is no way to tell who will develop chronic health problems from HPV infection and who will not.
  • Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it, which means they can pass it along to others.
  • Any unusual bumps, sores, lumps or other growths on the genitals or in the mouth or throat could be symptoms of HPV infection.
  • Genital infection with HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
HPV cancer prevention poster

The vaccine prevents HPV infection. It cannot cure an HPV infection that has already occurred. For that reason, HPV vaccination is recommended early in life — for girls and boys at 11–12 years of age.

HPV Vaccines Are Safe and Easy to Get

We can’t protect our children against much anymore. But we can help protect them against cancer-causing HPV infection. Why take chances with their lives? Please — get your children immunized against HPV at ages 11–12.

The CDC recommends all boys and girls get two doses of the HPV vaccine at ages 11 or 12. Children who get the vaccine before the age of 12 only need two doses. Children who get the first dose on or after their 15th birthday need three doses. Up to age 26 years, even after they become sexually active, it’s still not too late for them to get the HPV vaccine (see sidebar).

Learn more about HPV and the HPV vaccines.

Editor's Update: This article was first published September 29, 2015. It was most recently reviewed and updated January 10, 2020.

Follow Highmark Health on social:

A national health and wellness organization as well as the second largest integrated delivery and financing system in America, Highmark Health and our diversified portfolio of businesses employ more than 43,000 talented people who proudly serve millions of Americans in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Questions or comments?