The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical and other cancer, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer). This can include the base of the tongue and tonsils. Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. Genital warts and cancers are also results from different types of HPV.

The HPV vaccine can help to effectively protect against specific types of HPV infection that may lead to cervical cancer. The vaccines are most effective if given before first sexual exposure at the recommended age groups, in those who have not yet been exposed to the HPV types covered by the vaccine.