Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus. And, most people are exposed to it during their lifetime, usually through intimate or sexual contact. There are more than 150 different types of HPV, called strains. Some strains, including HPV-16 and HPV-18, can cause specific kinds of cancers.

In this podcast, Howard Bailey, MD, discusses what HPV is, how HPV infection increases the risk of developing some types of cancers, and how vaccination can prevent cervical cancer, oral cancer, anal cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and penile cancer.  

• What is HPV [1:20]?

• How does HPV lead to cancer development [2:24]?

• What types of cancer are caused by HPV [3:58]?

• What is being done to stop, block, prevent, or treat HPV infections [5:29]?

• How does an HPV vaccine help prevent cancer [7:00]?

• Studies have shown that the vaccine is safe for boys and girls, men and women [9:02].

• Why the HPV vaccine is recommended, especially for those who are young [9:39].

• What tests exist for HPV infection [10:52]?

• Questions to ask your doctor about HPV infection and vaccination [11:14]?

Dr. Bailey is the Director of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center and a professor of Medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. He is also the chair of the HPV Policy Statement Task Force of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

This is a prerecorded audio podcast. It can be listened to online or downloaded to your computer. A transcript of this podcast is also available. For more information, visit the Cancer.Net podcast page.