Human papillomavirus (HPV)

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can infect humans.

There are more than 200 different types of HPV. At least 12 of these are high-risk types that can cause cancer, such as cervical cancer (cancer of the neck of the womb). Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women aged 15–44 years in Europe [1]. HPV can also cause genital and anal warts.

At a glance: HPV in Europe

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus in the EU, which is mainly spread through sexual contact.
Infection with HPV can cause warts and lead to cancer in some people.
HPV is linked to about 60 000 new cases of cancer every year in the EU.
Vaccination protects against HPV-related diseases.
Widespread vaccination could prevent most cases of cervical cancer.

Find out more about HPV vaccines in your country.

What diseases can HPV cause ?

In most cases, HPV infection clears up by itself within one to two years without causing any symptoms.

In some people, HPV can remain in the body for longer.
HPV can cause warts in the genital area and around the anus.

When HPV remains in the body for longer, it can cause changes in the body’s cells. These can lead to various types of cancer in some people including cervical cancer, as well as cancers in the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, head or neck. HPV is linked to about 60 000 new cases of cancer every year in the EU [1].

How is HPV spread?

HPV is spread through skin-to skin contact of the genital area. Transmission is most common during vaginal, penile, anal, or oral sex.

People with HPV may not have any symptoms; they are often unaware that they have the virus.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.

Who is at risk of HPV?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting HPV.

How can HPV be prevented?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent HPV. The vaccines available in Europe protect against the HPV types responsible for the majority of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers. Since its introduction, HPV vaccination has led to a significant reduction in HPV-associated infections and disease.

Vaccinating children before they are likely to come across HPV is the best way to protect against infection and HPV-related diseases later in life. Younger people may also develop stronger immune responses after vaccination than older people, giving them better protection against infection.

Vaccination against HPV takes place routinely in children - usually between 9 and 14 years of age - in line with national vaccination schedules.

Using condoms during sex reduces the risk of contracting HPV. However, condoms cannot provide complete protection because the virus can still spread through contact with the areas of skin around the genitals which condoms do not protect against.

How is HPV treated?

There are no medicines to get rid of HPV itself.

Treatments are available for the diseases caused by HPV. Warts and pre-cancerous cell changes can be treated with medicines and with surgery, including minor surgical procedures like freezing. Medicines, surgery and other treatments are also available to treat cancers caused by HPV infection, if they develop.

Because HPV-related cancers can take many years to develop, screening can help pick up changes in the body before they develop into cancer. Removing or treating these ‘pre-cancerous’ changes reduces the risk of them turning into cancer later. In many countries, screening for cervical cancer is available to women, in line with national recommendations. Screening for other HPV-related cancers in people at risk is also available in some regions.

If you need advice on treatment or screening options, always consult your doctor or another healthcare provider.

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Reference:

(1) Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today (version 1.1). Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Note: The information contained in this factsheet is intended for the purpose of general information and should not be used as a substitute for the individual expertise and judgement of a healthcare professional.