Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination & Cancer Prevention

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can lead to cancer. Nearly 80 million people—about one in four—are currently infected with HPV in the United States. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.

Over 30,000 people in the United States each year are affected by a cancer caused by HPV infection. While there is screening available for cervical cancer for women, there is no screening for the other cancers caused by HPV infection, like cancers of the mouth/throat, anus/rectum, penis, vagina, or vulva.

HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and lasting protection against the HPV infections that most commonly cause cancer.