Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for HPV
Getting vaccinated against HPV can help protect yourself against certain Hpv-related cancers and diseases
When you consider common sexually transmitted diseases (STIS), the human papillomavirus (HPV) may not be top of mind. So, it might come as a surprise to learn HPV is the most common STI in the world. What’s more, an estimated 75 percent of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. That’s why it’s important to learn about how to help protect yourself against certain Hpv-related cancers and diseases.
What is HPV?
There are more than 200 different types of HPV, and many low-risk HPV types will clear up on their own without treatment. However, HPV is highly contagious and anyone infected — with or without symptoms — can spread the virus.
HPV is spread by skin-toskin contact in the genital area (penetration is not required) or during genital, anal or oral sex. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for HPV, and since the infection often has no signs or symptoms, you might not be able to tell if you or your partner is infected. You’re at risk of HPV infection even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. Using condoms is a great way to reduce your risk of HPV infection and help protect you against other sexually transmitted infections, but they may not be enough to protect you against HPV. HPV can be spread through skin-toskin contact beyond the area they cover.
What can HPV lead to?
Some HPV infections (mostly HPV-6 and HPV11) can cause genital warts. In fact, genital warts are often the only visible sign someone has HPV. They typically look like flat bumps, or bumps that look like tiny cauliflowers, and can appear on or inside the sex organs several weeks, months, or even years after sexual contact.
HPV can cause at least six types of cancers (head and neck, cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal and penile)*.
HPV is responsible for at least 70 percent of certain cancers of the head and neck, such as throat and back-of-mouth cancers. In 2012, oropharyngeal cancer was the most common Hpv-related cancer in Canada. There were 1,335 cases of oropharyngeal cancer, followed by 1,300 cases of cervical cancer and 475 cases of anal cancer. In 2012, it was reported that the incidence of Hpv-related oropharyngeal cancer was at least 4.5X higher in males than females.
How Hpv-related cancers and diseases are detected
While men can be examined by a healthcare provider for genital warts caused by HPV and signs of Hpv-related cancers (anal, penile, oropharyngeal)*, there is no screening test for HPV in men. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk of contracting HPV should visit a physician for regular health exams. For women and individuals with a cervix, a PAP test is a simple screening method that can detect abnormal cells in the cervix. Regular PAP tests are the best way to find abnormalities or changes in the cervix before cancer develops. In Canada, we have actually seen a decrease in cervical cancer cases in the past few years; this decline likely reflects the success of widespread screening programs available.
Immunization against HPV
Vaccination is a good opportunity to protect you and your family against HPV infection and subsequent disease. If you’re between the ages of nine and 45, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
About GARDASIL®9
GARDASIL®9 is the first and only vaccine that helps protect individuals aged 9 through 45 against nine HPV types. It helps protect against six Hpv-related cancers and diseases: head and neck, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and cervical cancer, and genital warts.
Even if you’ve already had an HPV infection, you can still benefit from HPV vaccination. If you’re already infected with one type of HPV contained in the vaccine, GARDASIL®9 will help protect you against the other eight types.
There are provincially-funded vaccination programs available that vary by province or territory, and by age or risk factors. So talk to your healthcare professional about government coverage or reimbursement, and visit gardasil9. ca/provincial-programs or your province’s government website. You may also have private health insurance through work or school that covers vaccination with GARDASIL®9. Speak to your insurance company or visit Gardasil9.ca/private-insurance-coverage.
GARDASIL®9 has been issued market authorization with conditions in individuals 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, pending the results of trials to verify its clinical benefit. GARDASIL®9 helps protect individuals 9 through 45 years of age against cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 and genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11. GARDASIL®9 does not treat HPV infection, cancers and diseases and may not protect everyone who gets vaccinated. GARDASIL®9 is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Women should still get routine cervical cancer screening. Side effects and allergic reactions can occur.
Talk to your doctor to learn more.