HPV Information, Resources and Communications Toolkit

All of us working in healthcare need to be aware of the importance of HPV, its relevance in certain cancers and how we can collectively help eradicate cervical cancer by 2040, particularly through the promotion of cervical screening and HPV vaccination.

7 General HPV Facts

  1. There are over 100 types of HPV viruses, of which about 40 infect the genital tract.
  2. HPV is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects the surface of the skin and mucosae of the upper respiratory and anogenital tracts.
  3. HPV infections are spread primarily by sexual contact with an infected partner, particularly through sexual intercourse but also by non-penetrative genital contact, including oral sex, which is why condoms are not fully protective.
  4. HPV is one of the most commonly sexually transmitted infections in the UK and anyone who is sexually active can contract it. Prevalence of the virus is higher among women living with HIV, men who have sex with men, immunocompromised individuals, people with co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), people who receive immunosuppressive medications and children who have been sexually abused.
  5. Infection commonly occurs soon after sexual debut, and almost 40% of women are infected within two years - this is why the timing of HPV vaccination is so important re year 8.
  6. Around 8 in 10 people will have been infected at some point.
  7. Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms, and infection is usually cleared by the body's own immune system without the need for other treatment, with 90% of new infections clearing within 2 years.
     

3 HPV Cancer Facts 

  1. It usually takes 15–20 years for cervical cancer to develop after HPV infection.
  2. HPV is classified as being either high risk or low risk depending upon their association with the development of cancer.
  3. Types 16 and 18 are high risk and account for around 80% of all cervical cancers; the remaining 20% are due to 11 other high-risk HPV types. Cancers result from persistent infections and resulting cell changes. Other associated cancers include some head and neck, gastrointestinal, and genital cancers, i.e. Anal, Penile, Oropharyngeal/laryngeal, Vaginal, and Vulval.

How can we reduce the risks of developing HPV related Cancers?

Reducing the risk of cancers linked to HPV includes 4 key areas of intervention which will also help achieve NHS England’s Cervical Cancer Elimination by 2040, particularly HPV vaccination and cervical screening. We all need to do our part to support these areas.

  1. Cervical Screening
  2. Smoking Cessation – Smoking makes it harder for the immune system to protect against HPV infections and to clear HPV from the body. 
  3. Sexual Practices – Practising safe sex will help reduce the risk of contracting HPV, but not 100%, as genital skin will not be fully protected even with condoms
  4. HPV Vaccination for:
    1. All children aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) are offered the HPV vaccine at school.

      If the HPV vaccination was missed at year 8, those who are still eligible include:
      1. All girls under 25
      2. Boys born after 1 September 2006 
      3. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at higher risk from HPV and are eligible up to their 46th birthday

Resources to support further learning along wth public facing materials

CMCA PRACTICE Dashboard – HPV vaccination uptake is available via the PRACTICE dashboard. Only available for those with an NHS or Gov email address.

NHS – HPV Virus – NHS advice on the virus.

NHS – HPV Vaccine – NHS advice on the vaccine.

Cancer Research UK – All manner of HPV cancer-related advice.

Gov.UK Find Public Health Resources – UKHSA/NHS posters and leaflets for school-aged and GBMSM cohorts.

Eve Appeal's HPV webpage – HPV virus, vaccine and cancer-related information, advice and resources