Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually-transmitted infection in the US and is the cause of almost all cervical cancers in women. Nearly 80 million individuals in the US, most in their teens and early 20s, are infected with HPV. More than 12,000 women in the US are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year—but the disease can be prevented with vaccination.
In order to increase awareness about HPV vaccination and screening during Cervical Health Awareness Month (January), NFID joined with partners to share important information on Twitter throughout the month.
Check out these 7 key facts about HPV:
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- HPV is common
A1: #HPV is a common virus that ~80% of all sexually active people have at some point. It’s normal to have HPV. #SaludTues https://t.co/q2wKnTv1k1
— NCCC (@StopHPVCancer) January 19, 2021
- 2 types of HPV cause 70% of all cervical cancers
A1: Almost all cases of #CervicalCancer are caused by Human papillomavius (HPV). Two #HPV types (16 and 18) cause 70% of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly! ⚕️#SaludTues pic.twitter.com/WGERnlpdAB
— PublicHealthMaps (@PublicHealthMap) January 19, 2021
- Vaccination helps prevent HPV
More than 12,000 women get #cervicalcancer every year, but up to 93% of those are preventable. If you missed out on the #HPVvaccine, it’s not too late to vaccinate! Catch-up #HPV vaccination is recommended for all persons through age 26 years. #CCAM #CervicalHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/iA6MUWmftg
— Project HPV Free (@projecthpvfree) January 22, 2021
- Routine HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11-12 years—but may be given to certain adults up to age 45 years
A3: #HPV #vaccines can protect against #CervicalCancer & other HPV-related cancers. HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens, teens, and certain adults. Learn more: https://t.co/dhUsUX3S7P #SaludTues #GetVaccinated during #CervicalHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/vDQC0x9RWQ
— NFID (@NFIDvaccines) January 19, 2021
- Cervical cancer could be the first cancer to be eliminated
It’s #CervicalCancer Awareness Month!
Cervical cancer could be the first cancer EVER in the world to be eliminated, if
9⃣0⃣% of girls are vaccinated
7⃣0⃣% of women are screened
9⃣0⃣% of women with cervical disease receive treatment pic.twitter.com/Ewsm6jN0UT— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 8, 2021
- Cervical cancer is more common among communities of color
#DYK? Hispanics, Blacks, and American Indians/Alaska Natives have more new cases of #CervicalCancer than Whites do. The good news? Cancers caused by HPV are preventable! Learn more from @CDCgov. #CervicalHealthMonth https://t.co/KAb52OLzn8 pic.twitter.com/nj9McobMxh
— Health Disparities (@NIMHD) January 15, 2021
- HPV vaccines are safe and effective
“The 2 shots needed for #HPV #vaccination are safe and effective and can prevent your child from ever having to go through what I have gone through!” Ana’s story via @ShotbyShotorg: https://t.co/VbYFc9Cvnh #CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth #Cervivor
— Vaccinate Your Family (@Vaxyourfam) January 21, 2020
- HPV is common
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Additional HPV Prevention Resources:
- Best Practices to Increase HPV Immunization (online tools and resources from NFID and partner organizations)
- HPV Causes Cancer Scare (real story by a mom impacted by HPV)
- Cervical Cancer FAQs (frequently asked questions from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- HPV Speakers Bureau (HPV Roundtable registry and referral resource)
To join the conversation and get the latest news on infectious diseases, follow NFID on Twitter using the hashtags #PreventCancer and #CervicalHealthMonth, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, visit us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to receive future NFID Updates.
