Most people do not know if they have had HPV or know anyone who has had a cancer caused by HPV. So it’s normal to wonder if HPV is really something to worry about.
The truth is HPV is very common. In many cases, it does not cause any health problems. But in some people it can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer. Nobody can tell in advance who will be affected this way.
Research studies have shown that the HPV vaccine can reduce the number of cancers and deaths caused by HPV. It can also help prevent cell abnormalities found during routine cervical screening.
That’s why the UK government decided to offer the HPV vaccine—after careful advice from scientists and health experts.