πŸ“– what

What is human papillomavirus, or HPV?

MedicineCancer prevention

Quick Answer

HPV is a group of very common viruses that spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact. Some types cause genital warts, while others can lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, throat, and more.

The Full Story

Human papillomaviruses infect skin and mucous membranes, and more than 100 types have been identified. Many infections clear on their own, but persistent infection with high-risk types such as HPV 16 and 18 can cause cancer. The HPV vaccine, first introduced in the 2000s, protects against several cancer-causing types and some wart-causing types. Public health experts view HPV vaccination as one of the most important cancer-prevention tools available.

Key Facts

1.HPV includes both low-risk and high-risk types
2.HPV 16 and 18 are major cancer-causing types
3.The vaccine was introduced in the 2000s

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