Final list of messages incorporated in consultation guides
| Generic messages | Cancer site-specific messages |
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The facts about HPV and cancer HPV is a virus that is passed from one person to another during sex or physical intimacy. It affects both men and women, and it is so common that most of us get it at some point in our lives. HPV is usually cleared by the body’s own defences but, in a few people, it stays in the cells of the affected area for months or years. Then it sometimes causes the cells to change, and that may lead to cancer. Even if HPV causes cells to change, it can take another 10 years or more for cancer to develop. Most people never know they had HPV because there aren’t usually any symptoms. It is hard to know when you got HPV or who you got it from. There is no treatment for HPV but there’s now a vaccination to prevent it. It’s best for young people to be vaccinated before they are sexually active. Frequently asked questions Q: What does this mean for my relationship? A: Having HPV-related cancer doesn’t mean you or your current partner have had sex with someone else. The virus was likely picked up many years ago and there is no need for shame or blame. You and your partner will have already shared whatever infections you have and no changes in physical intimacy are needed. Q: Am I or my partner at risk of getting another HPV-related cancer? A: You might be at a slightly higher risk, so you should report any symptoms to your doctor, but remember that these cancers are very rare. Q: What about previous partners? A: There is no need to tell previous partners you have HPV. There is no test or treatment for it; most people clear the virus without treatment and without even knowing they had it. Q: Could I have done anything to prevent getting HPV? A: No, it is so common that nearly all adults get it and condoms would not have given you complete protection. However, if you are a smoker, giving up smoking may help your recovery from cancer. Q: Could I have got HPV any other way? A: This is very unlikely because HPV targets a type of cell found in the lining of parts of the body that only come into contact during sexual intimacy. |
Gynaecological cancers HPV causes all cervical cancer, nearly half of vulvar and two-thirds of vaginal cancers. It can also cause some cancers of the anus, penis and head and neck. There is no treatment for HPV but there’s now a vaccination to prevent it. Girls are vaccinated in the first year of high school. |
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Anal cancer HPV causes nearly all anal cancers. It also causes cervical cancer and some cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis and head and neck. HPV can be spread to the anal area by intimate skin-to-skin contact or anal sex. It is easy for HPV to be transferred between the genital and anal area, especially in women. | |
| Head and neck cancersHPV causes about half of oropharyngeal cancers (which can involve the tonsils, tongue base and soft palate). It also causes cervical cancer and some cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus and penis.HPV can be transmitted by oral sex as well as other forms of intimate contact.HPV may be transmitted by deep or ‘French’ kissing but not by sharing drinks or kissing on the cheek.Head and neck cancers caused by HPV usually respond well to treatment. |
HPV, human papillomavirus.