HPV is one of the most common viruses, and most people will come into contact with it during their lifetime. While most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear naturally, some high risk types can lead to cancers including cervical, anal, penile, vulval, vaginal, and certain mouth and throat cancers. HPV is linked to more than 90% of cervical cancer cases in England.
Because HPV often has no symptoms, many people may not know they have it. It spreads easily through skin to skin contact in the genital area and does not require penetrative sex to be passed on.
The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect against 9 high risk HPV types. It is offered free of charge to boys and girls in Year 8 through the national school vaccination programme.
In Wolverhampton, eligible pupils, including those who are home educated, will be offered the vaccine after the Easter holidays, and parents and guardians are encouraged to complete and return the electronic consent form as soon as they receive it.
Free catch up doses are available on the NHS to anyone up until the age of 25. Meanwhile, men aged 45 and under who have sex with men can access vaccination through Wolverhampton’s sexual health service, Embrace.
Cervical screening is a crucial prevention tool, detecting high risk HPV and cell changes before cancer develops. Two women die from cervical cancer every day in England, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers. Screening already prevents around 70% of cervical cancer deaths – and this could rise above 80% if everyone attended when invited.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening every 5 years. Trans men and non binary people with a cervix may need to request an appointment directly via their GP or Embrace.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “HPV related cancers are largely preventable, and we have 2 key tools available to us to stop them, vaccination and screening.
"By making sure young people receive the HPV vaccine and by attending cervical screening when invited, we can help save lives. I urge everyone in Wolverhampton to take up these opportunities – they are quick, free, and very effective.”
To find out more about HPV vaccination, visit HPV vaccine. For details of cervical screening, visit Cervical screening.
Free transport may be available for people attending cervical screening appointments - find out more at Health screening transport project.
For more details about HPV Awareness Day, please visit International HPV Awareness Day Campaign.
