HPV Testing and Vaccination against Cervical Cancer The background Each year around 2,800 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in women in the UK and around 1,100 deaths are caused each year by cervical cancer[1]. Most deaths directly caused by cervical cancer can be avoided if detection comes early enough and a care plan is put into place. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing About 98% of all cervical cancer is caused by certain strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 100 HPV types or strains - of the 30 identified genital HPV types, 13 "high risk strains" are linked to cervical cancer. They are: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 & 69. 70% of these cancers are caused by HPV types 16 and 18. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and most women who are sexually active are likely to contract it sometime in their life. The majority of women will throw it (the HPV) off usually by simple lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking. Unless you have had a test specifically for the HPV strains that can go onto cause cervical cancer (this isn't done routinely on the NHS) you will not know if you have HPV. The presence of HPV can be detected before it goes on to show changes in a pap smear. If you test positive for HPV your care plan will include an early colposcopy if changes develop. HPV vaccine There is now a vaccine available to protect against women contracting cervical cancer. Gardasil® by Sanofi Pasteur MSD is the first vaccine licensed for use in the UK to protect against HPV types 16 and 18 (which cause 70% of all cervical cancers). In clinical trials Gardasil® was shown to be 100% effective in preventing high grade cervical dysplasia (CIN2/3) caused by HPV types 16 and 18 that may lead to cervical cancer[2]. It has been given a licence for boys and girls aged 9 to 15 and young women aged 16 to 26. A course consists of three vaccinations 0 months 2 Months 6 Months 1st vaccination 2nd vaccination 3rd vaccination* *Vaccination 3 may be given up to 12 months from 1st one. Download the WellCare HPV Testing and Vaccination Your Questions Answered Fact Sheet References [1] CancerResearchUK [2] Sanofi Pasteur GARDASIL® is the registered trademark of Sanofi Pasteur MSD