HPV
Understanding HPV: Why It Matters and Why Vaccination Saves Lives
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide. In fact, around 80% of sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. While most infections clear naturally without causing problems, some types of HPV can persist and lead to cancer or other significant health conditions.
The good news is that HPV-related cancers are largely preventable through vaccination, screening and early detection.
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with around 40 types affecting the genital area, mouth and throat.
HPV is spread primarily through:
Skin-to-skin sexual contact
Vaginal sex
Anal sex
Oral sex
Intimate genital contact without penetration
Because HPV is transmitted through skin contact, condoms reduce—but do not completely eliminate—the risk of transmission.
Most people who contract HPV have no symptoms and never realise they have been infected.
Low-Risk vs High-Risk HPV
HPV types are broadly divided into two groups.
Low-Risk HPV
These strains do not cause cancer but may cause:
Genital warts
Anal warts
Some throat or airway warts (rare)
Approximately 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
High-Risk HPV
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cell changes that may progress to cancer over many years.
The most important high-risk types include:
HPV 16
HPV 18
HPV 31
HPV 33
HPV 45
HPV 52
HPV 58
HPV 16 and 18 alone account for approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide.
Cancers Linked to HPV
Persistent HPV infection has been linked to multiple cancers.
Cervical cancer
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by persistent HPV infection.
This is why cervical screening remains so important—even for women who have received the HPV vaccine.
Oropharyngeal cancer
HPV is now one of the leading causes of cancers involving:
Tonsils
Base of tongue
Back of the throat
In many countries, HPV-related throat cancers are now more common than cervical cancer.
Anal cancer
Approximately 90% of anal cancers are associated with HPV infection.
Penile cancer
Around half of penile cancers are linked to HPV.
Vulval cancer
Some vulval cancers are caused by persistent HPV infection.
Vaginal cancer
HPV contributes to many vaginal cancers, although these remain relatively uncommon.
Other Conditions Associated with HPV
HPV can also cause:
Genital warts
Cervical dysplasia (CIN)
Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN)
Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)
Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN)
These are pre-cancerous conditions that can often be treated before cancer develops.
Why is HPV Vaccination So Important?
The HPV vaccine is one of the greatest public health success stories of recent decades.
Australia was one of the first countries to introduce a national HPV vaccination program and is on track to become one of the first countries in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
The vaccine currently used in Australia protects against nine HPV types, including those responsible for:
Approximately 90% of cervical cancers
Most anal cancers
Many throat cancers
Most HPV-related vulval and vaginal cancers
Around 90% of genital warts
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
In Australia, HPV vaccination is routinely recommended for:
Boys and girls aged 11–12 years through the National Immunisation Program
People who missed vaccination during adolescence (catch-up vaccination may be appropriate)
Some adults at increased risk, including certain immunocompromised individuals, based on current recommendations
Vaccination is most effective before exposure to HPV, but many people can still benefit even if they are already sexually active.
Do You Still Need Cervical Screening?
Yes.
Even if you have been vaccinated, cervical screening remains essential.
The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers, but it does not prevent every cancer-causing HPV strain. Regular cervical screening remains one of the most effective ways to detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer.
Can HPV Be Treated?
There is currently no treatment that eliminates HPV itself.
Instead, treatment focuses on managing the conditions HPV may cause, including:
Genital warts
Abnormal cervical screening results
Pre-cancerous lesions
HPV-related cancers
In most healthy people, the immune system clears HPV naturally within one to two years.
Key Takeaways
HPV is extremely common and affects most sexually active people at some point in their lives.
Most infections resolve naturally without causing disease.
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can lead to several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vulval, vaginal and oropharyngeal cancers.
The HPV vaccine is safe, effective and prevents the majority of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Cervical screening remains important even after vaccination.
Early vaccination, regular screening and open discussions with your GP are the best ways to reduce the risk of HPV-related disease.
How We Can Help
At Mind Body Skin Institute, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based sexual and preventive healthcare. We can discuss HPV vaccination, assess your eligibility for catch-up vaccination, perform cervical screening, investigate symptoms, and answer any questions you may have about HPV and your individual risk.
If you'd like to learn more about HPV prevention or discuss vaccination or screening, we'd be happy to help.
