HPV (Human Papillomovirus)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in the world today. An estimated 75% of sexually active people, male and female, will get HPV at some point in their lives. Infection usually clears up by itself and causes no signs or symptoms. However, of the more than 100 types of HPV, some are the leading cause of cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis and anus, and others cause genital or anal warts.
The virus is spread during direct skin-to-skin contact and during sex. People in their late teens and early twenties have the highest rates of infection. Approximately 1350 Canadian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year; about 400 per year die from the disease. Annual Pap testing has been very successful in reducing the death rate and is recommended for all sexually active females, whether they have been vaccinated or not.
A detailed statement by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), in February 2007, recommended the HPV vaccine for females between nine and thirteen years of age, before they become sexually active. Females between 14 and 26 years of age would also benefit from the vaccine.
The virus is spread during direct skin-to-skin contact and during sex. People in their late teens and early twenties have the highest rates of infection. Approximately 1350 Canadian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year; about 400 per year die from the disease. Annual Pap testing has been very successful in reducing the death rate and is recommended for all sexually active females, whether they have been vaccinated or not.
A detailed statement by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), in February 2007, recommended the HPV vaccine for females between nine and thirteen years of age, before they become sexually active. Females between 14 and 26 years of age would also benefit from the vaccine.