January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among young women in Europe, and human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, ECDC highlights the good news that in combination with routine cervical screening, HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer.
Anyone who is sexually active can get an HPV infection, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. While most HPV infections clear without causing any symptoms, persistent infection with certain HPV types may lead to precancerous lesions and cancer. Every year, around 33 000 new cervical cancer cases are reported across Europe and around 15 000 people die due to it.
Vaccination against HPV – available for both girls and boys across all EU/EEA countries – provides safe and effective protection.
The different HPV vaccines authorised for use in Europe protect against HPV types that are associated with causing up to 90% of cervical cancer cases.
In combination with routine cervical screening, vaccination can prevent cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination schedule
Find the HPV vaccination schedule in your country with the ECDC Vaccine Scheduler:
