We now know that HPV (human papillomavirus) causes many different cancers. The HPV vaccine which is given to most preteens at 11-12 years of age can be given up to age 45. Studies have shown that patients view HPV vaccine as a vaccine and not as a license to perform risky sexual behavior. HPV is a very common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Most adults will get HPV at some point.

Approximately 150 HPV types have been identified, with at least 40 infecting the genital area. These are categorized into two main groups based on their clinical manifestations:

Oncogenic (high-risk) HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, cause the majority of:

• Cervical cancer and precancers
• Penile cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Anal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer

Persistent oncogenic HPV infection is the strongest risk factor for development of these HPV-attributable precancers and cancers. If HPV is contracted when in the teens or early 20s the body often fights it off and this is not considered “persistent.” The vaccine helps the individual patient NOT contract the HPV types that cause cancer.

Low-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 6 and 11, cause:

Genital warts (condylomata acuminata)

Let’s break down what this means in simple terms.

What Did the New Research Show?

Two huge reviews looked at more than 160,000 people in clinical trials and over 132 million people in real-world studies. That is some of the strongest evidence we ever get in medicine. Here is what the studies found:

• The HPV vaccine is very safe.
• It works extremely well at preventing HPV infections.
• It stops most precancerous changes in the cervix.
• It lowers the chance of getting genital warts.
• Girls who got vaccinated before age 16 had an 80% lower chance of cervical cancer later in life.

This is a very big deal. An 80% drop in cancer risk is one of the strongest cancer-prevention results we have seen for any vaccine.

How Does the Vaccine Help With Pap Tests?

The HPV vaccine also lowers the number of abnormal Pap test results. These are the results that make us call you back for more testing. Studies show:

• Vaccinated women have 36–64% fewer abnormal Pap tests than unvaccinated women.
• Getting all three doses gives the best protection. Of note, only TWO doses needed if the first dose is given BEFORE age 15.
• In one U.S. group, women had 52% fewer abnormal Pap tests after one dose and 77% fewer after three doses.
• Girls who got vaccinated at ages 11–14 had a 64–73% lower risk of abnormal cells later.

What About Real-World Results in the U.S.?

Since the HPV vaccine became available, the United States has seen a 77% drop in early cervical precancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18 in women ages 20–24. This age group has the highest vaccination rates, and we are seeing huge benefits.

Why I Recommend HPV Vaccination

As your family doctor, I want you and your family to stay healthy for the long run. The HPV vaccine is one of the best tools we have to prevent cancer. It works best when given at ages 11–12, but older teens and young adults can still get it.