HPV and cervical cancer
What HPV is, how vaccination and screening protect women, and warning signs.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
📝 Audio transcript
HPV and cervical cancer.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection passed on through sex. Almost all sexually active people get it at some point, usually without symptoms, and the body usually clears it on its own.
When certain types of HPV stay in the cervix for a long time, they can cause changes in the cells that may slowly become cancer. This usually takes 15 to 20 years, but can be faster (5 to 10 years) in women whose immune system is weak, such as women with untreated HIV.
Vaccination protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. The World Health Organization's priority group is girls aged 9 to 14, before they become sexually active.
Screening finds changes before they become cancer. WHO recommends screening every 5 to 10 years from age 30, or every 3 to 5 years from age 25 for women living with HIV. Women can collect an HPV test sample themselves, and this is as reliable as a sample taken by a health worker.
Not smoking and using condoms also help reduce risk. Early cell changes can be treated with a simple procedure, and cervical cancer can be cured if found early and treated promptly.
When should I get help?
- Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause.
- More vaginal discharge than usual, or discharge that smells bad.
- Ongoing pain in the back, legs or pelvis, swollen legs, weight loss or tiredness.
Key things to remember
- HPV vaccination is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14.
- Screening from age 30 (25 for women with HIV) finds changes early.
- Cervical cancer can be cured if found early.
📖 Read the full lesson
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common infection passed on through sex. Almost all sexually active people get it at some point, usually without symptoms, and the body usually clears it on its own.
When certain types of HPV stay in the cervix for a long time, they can cause changes in the cells that may slowly become cancer. This usually takes 15 to 20 years, but can be faster (5 to 10 years) in women whose immune system is weak, such as women with untreated HIV.
Vaccination protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. The World Health Organization's priority group is girls aged 9 to 14, before they become sexually active.
Screening finds changes before they become cancer. WHO recommends screening every 5 to 10 years from age 30, or every 3 to 5 years from age 25 for women living with HIV. Women can collect an HPV test sample themselves, and this is as reliable as a sample taken by a health worker.
Not smoking and using condoms also help reduce risk. Early cell changes can be treated with a simple procedure, and cervical cancer can be cured if found early and treated promptly.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Cervical cancer (fact sheet) 3 Jul 2026 · accessed 31 Oct 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-011 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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