HPV is common.
And certain types can lead to cancer.
Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives, often without knowing it. Some types of HPV can lead to cancer later on.
Learn what HPV is, how it spreads, and ways you can help protect yourself.
HPV, what's that?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but certain types can cause genital warts or lead to cancer later in life.
HPV can cause certain cancers
Research shows HPV is responsible for cancers, including:
HPV vaccines help protect against types of HPV that can cause cancer or genital warts.
HPV is common. Really common.
HPV can affect anyone.
Any gender. Any sexual orientation.
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
HPV can affect anyone • Get protected
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to help protect yourself from HPV related cancers.
HPV vaccines significantly reduce the risk of HPV infections.
Across Canada, many people receive HPV vaccines through school-based programs.
If you missed getting a vaccine, it’s not too late. Contact your local public health unit, pharmacy, or primary care provider to learn more about getting vaccinated.
If you’re over 26 years, HPV vaccination may still be available at no cost. Check out our FAQ below to learn more.
Who should get vaccinated?
- Anyone between the ages of 9 to 45
- People of all genders, including those who are transgender, cisgender, Two-Spirit, non-binary, and other gender-diverse identities
- People who are sexually active now, have been in the past, or may be in the future
- People of all sexual orientations and any relationship status
- People living with conditions that affect the immune system
HPV vaccination access and eligibility vary across Canada. Talk to a healthcare provider to learn about the options available in your area and what may be right for you based on your individual health needs.
Protection works best in layers.
HPV vaccines protect against many HPV types that can cause cancer or genital warts, but not every strain. Keep in mind that no vaccine provides complete protection in all cases.
Pairing vaccination with these steps gives you stronger protection →
Get screened. For people with a cervix, regular cervical cancer screening can catch early changes before they become cancer — even if you’ve been vaccinated.
Practice safer sex. Condoms and dental dams can help lower the risk of HPV, though they don’t fully prevent it since HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
See your healthcare provider regularly. Routine check-ups and dental exams help monitor your health and screen for HPV-related cancers, including head and neck cancers.
Get the facts.
Learn more about HPV, understand the risks, and explore available options for protection and support.
General HPV Information
What is HPV?
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact.
There are many strains of the HPV virus and some types can lead to cancer or genital warts.
Why is HPV a concern?
Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, often without symptoms. This means it can be passed between partners without anyone knowing.
Some HPV types cause warts. Other HPV types can cause cancer.
In people with biologically female body parts, HPV can cause cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
In people with biologically male body parts, HPV can cause anal and penile cancers.
HPV can also cause head and neck cancers in anyone.
Is there a cure for an HPV infection?
There is no cure for HPV. Most infections will clear on their own and you won’t even realize you have it.
But, when your body can’t clear an HPV infection, the risk for genital warts and certain types of cancer increases.
Sometimes persistent HPV infection can occur, leading to serious health problems, such as genital warts or cancer.
Do condoms protect against HPV?
Condoms and dental dams can help lower the risk of HPV, but they don’t fully prevent it.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including areas not covered by protection.
HPV Vaccines
Is HPV vaccination free?
All provinces and territories offer HPV vaccination at no cost to anyone under the age of 18.
Some also have extended eligibility for people over the age of 18. Check your provincial or territorial program for details.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Contact your local public health unit or speak to a healthcare provider to find out where you can access HPV vaccination.
How many doses do I need?
The doses needed depend on your age, health history, and the vaccination program in your province or territory.
In Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends:
- 1 dose for most people ages 9 to 20
- 2 doses for most people ages 21 to 26
- 3 doses for people who are immunocompromised or living with HIV
Some provinces and territories may use different dosing schedules as programs transition to updated recommendations.
Check your local public health program or speak with a healthcare provider to discuss what may be right for you based on your individual health needs.
Is HPV vaccination safe?
HPV vaccines have been used around the world for many years and are backed by decades of research.
Safety has been closely monitored in Canada for over 15 years, with strong evidence showing HPV vaccines are safe and well tolerated.
Talk to a healthcare provider to discuss what may be right for you based on your individual health needs.
Can I get vaccinated if I’m sexually active?
Even if you’ve already had sex, HPV vaccines can still protect you from HPV types you haven’t been exposed to yet.
Many people get vaccinated after becoming sexually active and can still benefit from it.
Talk to a healthcare provider to discuss what may be right for you based on your individual health needs.
Can I get vaccinated if I currently have an HPV infection?
Vaccination won’t cure an existing HPV infection, but it can protect you from other types of HPV and help prevent future infections.
Talk to a healthcare provider to discuss what may be right for you based on your individual health needs.
Can I get vaccinated if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
HPV infection during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications.
HPV vaccination can be given during pregnancy, with research showing no increased risk to the pregnancy or baby.
There’s limited research on HPV vaccination while breastfeeding, but no safety concerns have been reported.
Talk to a healthcare provider to discuss what may be right for you based on your individual health needs.
HPV Cancer Screening
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Before cancer develops, HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. These cells may become abnormal. These early changes are called pre-cancer, which means they are not cancer yet but could turn into cancer over time.
The good news is that these early changes can usually be treated if they are found early. That’s why regular cervical screening is important. Screening can detect these changes before they develop into cancer.
Who needs to be screened for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer screening is recommended if you are 25 years and older, have had at least one sexual partner, and if you have a cervix – regardless of your gender or sexual orientation.
Where can I get screened for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer screening is available through healthcare providers, including family doctors and nurse practitioners, cervical cancer screening programs, women’s health clinics, and public health units.
Cervical cancer screening guidelines vary across Canada. Check your provincial or territorial program for details.
I have been in a monogamous relationship for years, do I still need to get cervical cancer screening?
Yes. Even if you’ve had one sexual partner, you could still be exposed to HPV.
Cervical cancer develops slowly over time. Screening helps find early changes before they turn into cancer.
Do I still need cervical cancer screening if I’ve been vaccinated for HPV?
Yes. HPV vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening. It protects against several high-risk types of HPV, but not all of them.
What cervical cancer screening tests are available and how do they work?
The following cervical cancer screening tests are available in Canada. Talk to a healthcare provider to learn more.
Pap Smear Test: Tests for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. A healthcare provider collects a small sample of cells from the cervix during a pelvic exam. These cells are then sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope.
HPV Primary Test: Tests for the presence of HPV in cervical cells. The sample can be collected by a healthcare provider during a pelvic exam, similar to a pap smear test.
HPV Self-Sampling Test: This is the same test as the HPV Primary Test, however, it allows you to take your own sample using a self-swab.
Are there standard screening tests for HPV-related cancers, like anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar and head and neck?
There are no organized, standard screening tests for the other types of HPV-related cancers.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is by getting an HPV vaccine, monitoring for symptoms, and getting regular medical check-ups.
HPV vaccines protect against several types of HPV that can cause cancer or genital warts, but do not cover all HPV types — so ongoing screening and regular medical follow-up remain important. Regular dental exams are also valuable, as dentists routinely screen for head and neck cancers. You can also learn how to do self-exams here.