Almost 500,000 people die each year due to HPV (Human papillomavirus) related deaths which could have been avoided. HPV awareness Day is taking place on 4th March 2025 in order to spread awareness on the risks of HPV and how to stop the avoidable deaths.

HPV includes approximately 200 viruses that are spread via skin-to-skin contact. Many strains of HPV don’t cause any problems but there are certain strains which can increase the risk of cancer in the mouth and throat, cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and penis and can be spread through sexual contact.

Approximately 80% of people will have HPV throughout their lives but it often does not present any symptoms, and your own immune system can sometimes destroy the virus before it causes anything too serious. In the event the immune system is unable to fight off the HPV strain, this can lead to changes in your cells and later leading to cancer.

The risk of HPV can be reduced by increasing awareness, vaccination and cervical screening. The HPV vaccine is offered to children aged 11-13 in the UK and can be offered to people up to age 25 if they missed their vaccine at school. Cervical screening is offered to females between 25 – 64 years of age.

Early detection of cell changes is important because it means that treatment can be sought to remove the affected cells to reduce the chance of it developing into cancer. This is why cervical screening is offered regularly.

How can you help?

• Raise awareness on social media by using the #onelessworry
• Donate to assist with improving the prevention, care and treatment people receive by developing healthcare professionals’ understanding of HPV and related cancers Donate – IPVS