How can I protect myself from HPV and cancer?

HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancer).

Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types of HPV that can cause cancers.

You can do several things to lower your chances of getting HPV.

Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups.  Catch-up vaccines are recommended for boys and men through age 21 and for girls and women through age 26, if they did not get vaccinated when they were younger.

Show All Answers

1. Can the Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cancer?
2. Can the HPV vaccine protect you from HPV types that cause cancer and genital warts?
3. Who should get the HPV Vaccine?
4. How can I protect my children from HPV?
5. How can I protect myself from HPV and cancer?
6. How can I get the HPV vaccine today?