HPV and cervical cancer

HPV and Cervical Cancer key points

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common infection of the cervix that is passed on by direct skin contact during sex.
Persistent HPV infections can cause abnormal changes in your cervix. These changes, if left untreated, can lead to cancer of your cervix.
The abnormal changes, known as high grade or low grade changes, can be found or detected in a smear test.
HPV may also increase the risk of cancer in other parts of your body. For example, cancer in the penis, vagina, vulva, anus, or head and neck.
Two vaccines to prevent HPV infection have been licensed for use in Ireland. These are Gardasil® and Cervarix®.
The vaccines do not protect against all HPV types so you must continue to have regular smear tests.

What is the human papilloma virus (HPV)?

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a very common infection of your cervix. There are up to a hundred different types of HPV and most do not cause any problems.

The high-risk types include HPV 16 and 18 . These types cause cervical cancer.
The low-risk types include HPV 6 and 11. These can cause genital warts.

How is HPV passed on?

HPV is a virus passed on by direct skin contact during sex. Most sexually active women will have the HPV virus at some stage in their lifetime. For most women the virus does not cause any problems and disappears naturally over time.

How common is HPV?

The virus is very common. Most women who are sexually active will be exposed to it at some stage in their life. Eight out of 10 women will become infected with HPV in their lifetime.

How do I know if I have been infected with HPV?

Usually there are no symptoms of high-risk HPV, so the infection is often unnoticed or not diagnosed. HPV infection of the cervix is usually diagnosed in women after having a smear test.
The HPV DNA test can show what type of HPV is present. It is sometimes done using cells collected during a routine cervical screening test or a special test on the cervix called a colposcopy. The test looks at the genetic make-up (DNA) of the HPV within the cells and can find out which type of HPV is present. This can help your doctor to find out if the HPV is a type that may cause precancerous changes.

What happens if I cannot get rid of the virus?

A small number of women have difficulty getting rid of the HPV virus. This can often happen if you are a smoker. Persistent HPV infections can cause abnormal changes in your cervix. These abnormal changes in the cells are known as CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), also called high grade or low grade changes. This means that some of the cells on a small area on the surface of your cervix (transformational zone) have abnormal changes.
CIN are graded as CIN 1, 2 and 3. These cells are not cancerous but are referred to as precancerous. These changes, if left untreated, can develop into cancer of your cervix.
HPV may also increase the risk of cancer in other parts of your body. For example, cancer in the penis, vagina, vulva, anus, or head and neck.

How do I know if I have abnormal changes in my cervix?

Abnormal changes can be found or detected by having regular smear tests. In Ireland, a National Cervical Screening Programme began in 2008 called CervicalCheck. This programme is funded by the Government and provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60. The service sends you an invitation to attend for your free smear with your smeartaker (a doctor or nurse).
For more details about this service in your area, contact CervicalCheck at 1800 45 45 55 or visit Cervical check .

How can I reduce my risk of cervical cancer?

The best way to reduce your risk is to:

Have regular smear tests
Stop smoking
Be vaccinated against HPV

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine helps your body´s immune system to recognise and fight infections by making antibodies. These antibodies will then protect you from getting an infection. In this case, the HPV virus.

Why should I be vaccinated against HPV?

Both vaccines target HPV types 16 and 18.
Gardasil also targets HPV types 6 and 11.
The vaccines are given as a course of three injections over a 6-month period.

Who should be vaccinated against HPV?

The vaccines are licensed for girls and women aged 9–26. It is proven to work best for girls and women who have not been exposed to the virus.

How do I get vaccinated against HPV?

In Ireland, the vaccine is recommended for all girls in the first year of secondary school as part of a national cervical vaccination programme. The vaccine is given free of charge. For girls who are not included in this programme, the vaccine is available from your GP or family doctor. This means you will have to pay the cost yourself.
It is important to remember that if you are vaccinated, it does not mean that you no longer need smear tests. The vaccines against HPV reduce your risk of cervical cancer but do not remove your risk entirely. Remember too that the vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV.
It is not known for how long the vaccine gives protection but it is believed to protect you for up to 5 years. Research continues to see if it lasts longer than that period.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccine is safe and has been well tolerated. Some mild and moderate side-effects can occur at the injection site. This includes redness, swelling and itchiness. Other less common side-effects include tiredness (fatigue) and nausea.

Does the vaccine protect me fully from HPV?

The vaccine does not protect you against all types of HPV. The vaccine targets the main HPV types, 16 and 18. If you have been exposed to the virus already, the vaccine may not protect you.

Do I still need a smear test if I have been vaccinated?

The vaccine against HPV will reduce your risk of cervical cancer but will not remove it entirely. So you will need to have regular smear tests. The CervicalCheck programme provides free smear tests for all women between the ages of 25 and 60. Visit Cervical Check for more details on this programme.

Where can I get more information?

The following factsheet and booklets are free of charge from the Irish Cancer Society:

1800 200 700

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HPV and cervical cancer