Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What is HPV?

Some viruses can cause cancer

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a virus that can cause six different types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

HPV is very common as it is highly contagious. Three out of four Canadians will have HPV in their lifetime, with the highest rates of HPV infection occurring in young people aged 15 to 24. 

Many people who have HPV have no symptoms of the infection, which makes it even more important to take steps to protect yourself.  

Getting an HPV vaccine and taking regular screening tests (Pap tests) protects against cancer. 

Get vaccinated for HPV 

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. 

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all males and females aged 9 to 45.

How to get vaccinated

In Saskatchewan, the HPV vaccine is offered for free to all grade 6 students through school-based immunization programs. While it works best for those aged 9–12, it can still benefit those who are older, sexually active or have had HPV. All residents can receive it free through their Public Health Office until age 27. 

If you're aged 27–45, you can receive the vaccine through a health-care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist) or through Public Health. Health insurance may cover the cost or it can be paid out of pocket. 

Consult your health-care provider to see if the HPV vaccine is right for you, and contact your local Public Health Office with any questions about eligibility.

Go for regular screening

Regular cervical screening (Pap test) is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer so that any cell changes caused by high-risk HPV can be found and treated early. 

You can schedule cervical screening through your health-care provider. These clinics also offer cervical screening: Where can I get a Pap test? 

Anyone with a cervix, including women and transgender people between the ages of 25 and 69, should be screened for cervical cancer every three years. Visit CervixCheck to learn more about cervical cancer screening.

Other ways to prevent HPV and HPV-related cancers

Practice safer sex

If you are sexually active, use a condom and other barriers safely to help protect against HPV. However, areas not covered by these barriers still allow some skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Using these barriers will reduce — but not eliminate — the risk of HPV infection. 

Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke

Stopping smoking and reducing your exposure to second-hand smoke may help your body to clear pre-cancerous cell changes caused by HPV, decreasing the risk of developing cancer.