About HPV

Key facts about HPV8

More than 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV

More than 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV)4 – a very common virus that affects four in five women at some stage in their life.5

Most HPV infections have no symptoms

HPV is normally cleared on its own and does not cause any health problems. However, when it does not go away, persistent HPV infections can cause abnormal cervical cell growth.22

Anyone who has been sexually active can get HPV

Anyone who has had sexual contact can get HPV – even if you have only had one sexual partner or even if you use condoms.22

What is HPV?

14 typs of HPV are considered high-risk

There are more than 100 different types of HPV, of which 14 are considered high-risk with respect to developing cervical cancer.9, 10

HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of all cervical cancer

Of these 14 high-risk strains, HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of all cervical cancer.11

Women with HPV 16 or 18 are 35 times more likely to develop cervical pre-cancer than those without HPV

Women with HPV 16 or 18 are 35 times more likely to develop cervical pre-cancer than those without HPV.4

Are there signs or symptoms of HPV?

Persistent HPV can live in the body for more than 10-15 years with no symptoms

HPV is normally cleared on its own and does not cause any health problems. There are no symptoms for HPV. However, certain types of HPV can potentially lead to genital warts or cervical cancer.

Who is at risk?

Certain types of HPV do not clear by themselves. Therefore It is important to be regularly tested to know your risk.

Certain types of HPV do not clear by themselves. Therefore It is important to be regularly tested to know your risk.

It is recommended that women 30 - 65 years of age, who have been sexually active, should be tested for HPV.

It is recommended that women 30 – 65 years old who have had sexual contact should be tested for HPV.22 HPV is normally cleared by the body’s natural immune system for women under the age of 30.