HPV Explained

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. Around 4 in 5 men and women will have HPV at some point in their lives.

But our research has found that many people in Yorkshire are unaware of what HPV is and how it is spread. We’ve also discovered that 1 in 2 people in the region believe there is a stigma associated with HPV.

HPV Explained aims to reduce stigma and address misconceptions about virus by sharing the facts and encouraging conversations.

1. HPV is a virus that can be spread through any sexual activity, protected or unprotected.
2. HPV infections are common and have no symptoms. 4 in 5 men and women will have HPV in their lifetime.
3. Many people become infected with HPV shortly after becoming sexually active.
4. Sometimes HPV can lie dormant for many years and then become active again.
5. It is not always possible to work out where HPV has come from and doesn’t mean that a partner has been unfaithful.
6. Our immune system can normally clear an HPV infection by itself, but in a small number of cases, the infection doesn’t clear and can cause the cells of the cervix to change over time. These might develop into cervical cancer if not monitored or treated.

Cervical screening plays an important role in preventing cancer. It can detect early changes in cells, allowing them to be treated before they become cancer.

In 2019, changes were made to the cervical screening process. Screening samples are now checked for HPV first.

Testing for HPV first means that screening can be tailored to your individual risk. Those with a positive HPV result are at the highest risk of cervical cancer and will be screened more regularly.