Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are sexually transmitted viruses that are very common worldwide. There are more than 200 different HPV types, 80% of people will have HPV at some point in their lifetime and while for many it will cause no harm, some types of HPV are known to cause certain cancers such as cervical, anal and oral cancer.
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women; in Canada, cervical cancer accounts for 2% of all new cancer cases in women while the incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers increased by about 50% between 2000 and 2012.
See below for articles and resources relating to HPV.
Canadian organizations mark the first annual international HPV awareness day: Give love, not HPV
Ontario Expanding HPV Vaccine Program to Include Boys
HPV vaccine expanded to include ‘at-risk’ boys
Key points for policy-makers and health professionals
WHO Information on Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer
Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers in Canada, Fact Sheet 2010
Reframing the debate: Several publicly-funded religious school boards denying girls the right to the Human Papillomavirus vaccine
WHO/ICO Information Centre on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer