HPV virus and cervical cancer
According to international statistics, cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer of women. Each year, in Greece, more than 400 women will develop cervical cancer. That means that more than one woman per day will face a very upsetting situation.
The Vaccine That Could Eliminate a Cancer
At a Glance
✔ The HPV vaccine can prevent the vast majority of HPV-related cervical cancers.
✔ It protects both women and men.
✔ It is one of the safest vaccines ever developed.
✔ In Greece, HPV vaccination is offered free of charge to the recommended age groups.
✔ The latest 2026 data show that HPV vaccination not only reduces the incidence of cervical cancer but also decreases deaths from the disease.
Introduction
Few vaccines in the history of medicine have changed the outlook of a disease as dramatically as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
For decades, cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among young women worldwide. Today, for the first time, the medical community believes that the elimination of this disease is a realistic public health goal.
This remarkable progress is the result of three powerful preventive strategies:
• HPV vaccination,
• cervical cancer screening,
• early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions.
The data published in The Lancet in 2026 confirm that HPV vaccination saves lives and represent one of the most important advances in cancer prevention in recent years.
What Is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide.
It is estimated that more than 80% of sexually active individuals will acquire an HPV infection at some point during their lifetime.
In most cases, the immune system clears the infection naturally. However, in some individuals the virus persists for many years and may lead to precancerous changes and cancer.
More than 200 HPV types have been identified to date.
High-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers.
How Is HPV Transmitted?
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
Transmission may occur through:
• vaginal intercourse,
• anal intercourse,
• oral sexual contact,
• close skin-to-skin contact involving the genital area.
Although condom use significantly reduces the risk of transmission, it does not provide complete protection because HPV may infect areas not covered by a condom.
For this reason, vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing HPV infection and its complications.
Which Cancers Are Caused by HPV?
HPV is not exclusively associated with cervical cancer.
Today, we know that persistent HPV infection is linked to a substantial proportion of the following cancers:
• cervical cancer,
• anal cancer,
• vulvar cancer,
• vaginal cancer,
• penile cancer,
• oropharyngeal cancer.
In addition, HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately 90% of genital warts.
It is estimated that more than 95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent HPV infection.
What Did the 2026 Lancet Study Show?
The publication of the 2026 Lancet study marks a historic milestone in cancer prevention.
For the first time, researchers evaluated not only the incidence of cervical cancer but also mortality from the disease following the introduction of HPV vaccination.
The findings were remarkable.
Among women vaccinated at 12–13 years of age:
• no deaths from cervical cancer were recorded in the 20–24-year age group,
• an estimated 200 cervical cancer deaths had been prevented by the end of 2024,
• previous findings showing up to an 87% reduction in cervical cancer incidence were further confirmed.
These results demonstrate that HPV vaccination does more than prevent HPV infection and precancerous lesions.
It prevents cervical cancer itself and, as we now know, significantly reduces deaths from the disease.
For the first time in the history of public health, the elimination of a common human cancer has become an achievable goal.
Why Does HPV Vaccination Matter for Men?
For many years, HPV was mistakenly considered a health issue affecting only women.
Today, we know that this is not the case.
HPV causes several cancers in men, and men play an important role in the transmission of the virus within the general population.
Vaccinating both boys and girls has become the internationally recommended strategy endorsed by major public health organizations and represents a crucial step toward eliminating HPV-related cancers.
Universal HPV vaccination protects individuals, reduces viral transmission, and contributes to the long-term goal of preventing HPV-associated diseases across the entire population.
Which HPV Vaccine Is Available Today?
Today, the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is the vaccine used in Greece and in most European countries.
Gardasil 9 protects against nine HPV types:
6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
These HPV types are responsible for the vast majority of HPV-related diseases.
Gardasil 9 provides protection against:
✔ the vast majority of HPV-related cervical cancers,
✔ a significant proportion of anal cancers,
✔ vulvar and vaginal cancers,
✔ penile cancer,
✔ oropharyngeal cancer,
✔ approximately 90% of genital warts.
The greatest advantage of HPV vaccination is that protection is achieved before exposure to the virus, which is why vaccination is recommended at a young age.
How Does the HPV Vaccine Work?
One of the most common questions parents ask is whether the HPV vaccine contains a live virus.
The answer is no.
The vaccine contains virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the outer shell of HPV but contain no viral genetic material.
As a result, the vaccine:
• cannot cause HPV infection,
• cannot cause cancer,
• cannot transmit the virus.
Instead, it stimulates the immune system to produce high levels of protective antibodies that help prevent future HPV infections.
What Is the Best Age for HPV Vaccination?
The ideal time for HPV vaccination is before the onset of sexual activity.
The reason is simple.
The HPV vaccine is preventive rather than therapeutic.
In addition, younger individuals develop a particularly strong immune response to vaccination.
For this reason, the World Health Organization and most scientific societies recommend routine HPV vaccination between 9 and 14 years of age.
Should Boys Be Vaccinated?
Absolutely.
This is one of the most important developments in HPV prevention over the past decade.
HPV causes a substantial number of cancers in men, as well as other HPV-related diseases.
Vaccinating boys helps protect against:
• anal cancer,
• penile cancer,
• oropharyngeal cancer,
• genital warts.
In addition, vaccinating boys reduces the circulation of HPV in the population and contributes to herd immunity.
Modern public health strategies are based on universal vaccination of both boys and girls.
Up to What Age Can You Get the HPV Vaccine?
One of the most common questions in everyday clinical practice is:
“I’m 25, 30, or 40 years old. Is it still worth getting vaccinated?”
In many cases, the answer is yes.
Ages 9–14 Years
This is the ideal age for HPV vaccination.
Vaccination during this period provides the highest level of protection and the strongest immune response.
Ages 15–26 Years
Catch-up vaccination is recommended for adolescents and young adults who were not vaccinated at the recommended age.
Ages 27–45 Years
Current international guidelines support an individualized approach for adults in this age group.
Although many adults have already been exposed to HPV, it is unlikely that they have encountered all the HPV types covered by the vaccine.
For this reason, a gynecologist or healthcare provider may recommend vaccination after evaluating individual risk factors and potential benefits.
Which Adults May Benefit the Most?
HPV vaccination may be particularly beneficial for:
✔ individuals with new or multiple sexual partners,
✔ adults who have never been vaccinated,
✔ men who have sex with men (MSM),
✔ people living with HIV,
✔ immunocompromised individuals,
✔ women who have been diagnosed with or treated for high-grade cervical lesions.
Recent studies suggest that HPV vaccination following the diagnosis or treatment of CIN2 or CIN3, including cervical conization, may reduce the risk of disease recurrence.
How Many Doses Are Needed?
HPV vaccination recommendations have evolved significantly over recent years.
The World Health Organization now recognizes that, in many circumstances, a single dose may provide excellent protection for younger individuals.
However, national vaccination schedules vary from country to country.
In general:
Ages 9–14 Years
One or two doses may be recommended depending on national guidelines.
According to the 2026 Greek National Immunization Program, two doses are currently recommended.
Ages 15 Years and Older
Two or three doses may be recommended depending on age and individual circumstances.
According to the 2026 Greek National Immunization Program, three doses are currently recommended.
Immunocompromised Individuals
A complete three-dose schedule is generally recommended.
Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule according to current national and international guidelines.
Is Vaccination Worth It If I’ve Already Become Sexually Active?
Yes.
The onset of sexual activity is not a contraindication to HPV vaccination.
Even if someone has already been exposed to one or more HPV types, the vaccine may still provide protection against other high-risk types included in the vaccine.
For this reason, many women and men can still benefit from vaccination after becoming sexually active.
Can I Get the HPV Vaccine If I Already Have HPV?
Yes.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about HPV vaccination.
The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection.
However, it can:
✔ protect against other HPV types,
✔ reduce the risk of future HPV infections,
✔ potentially decrease the risk of recurrence after treatment for precancerous cervical lesions.
Having an HPV infection or an abnormal Pap test does not necessarily mean that vaccination is no longer beneficial.
The decision should be made on an individual basis after consultation with a healthcare professional.
The Key Message
The greatest benefit of HPV vaccination is achieved when it is administered before exposure to the virus.
However, its value is not limited to childhood or adolescence.
We now know that many adolescents and adults can benefit from HPV vaccination, and that universal vaccination of both boys and girls represents one of the most important strategies for dramatically reducing HPV-related cancers in the coming decades.
Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?
The safety of the HPV vaccine is one of the most common concerns among parents, adolescents, and adults considering vaccination.
Fortunately, the scientific evidence is highly reassuring.
To date, hundreds of millions of HPV vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, and vaccine safety continues to be closely monitored by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Extensive clinical studies and real-world data have consistently demonstrated that the HPV vaccine has an excellent safety profile and that its benefits far outweigh any potential risks.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects?
Most side effects are mild and resolve within a day or two.
The most frequently reported reactions include:
✔ pain at the injection site,
✔ redness,
✔ mild swelling,
✔ low-grade fever,
✔ headache,
✔ fatigue,
✔ muscle aches.
Occasionally, adolescents may experience fainting after vaccination, as can occur with many other vaccines. For this reason, it is recommended that vaccinated individuals remain seated or under observation for approximately 15 minutes after receiving the injection.
Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Does the HPV Vaccine Cause Infertility?
No.
This is one of the most common myths circulating on the internet and social media.
There is no scientific evidence that HPV vaccination affects fertility in either women or men.
In fact, the opposite may be true.
Severe HPV-related cervical lesions may require excisional procedures, such as cervical conization, which in some cases have been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in future pregnancies.
By preventing HPV-related cervical disease, vaccination may indirectly help preserve reproductive health and reduce the need for invasive cervical treatments.
Can the HPV Vaccine Be Given During Pregnancy?
HPV vaccination is not routinely initiated during pregnancy.
However, if a woman receives the vaccine before realizing she is pregnant, there is no evidence of increased risk to the fetus, and neither pregnancy termination nor any special intervention is recommended.
Any remaining vaccine doses can be administered after delivery.
HPV vaccination is considered safe during breastfeeding.
I Have Already Been Treated for CIN. Should I Get Vaccinated?
This is one of the most interesting developments in recent HPV research.
Several studies and meta-analyses suggest that HPV vaccination in women undergoing treatment for high-grade cervical lesions (CIN2 and CIN3), including cervical conization, may significantly reduce the risk of disease recurrence.
For this reason, many scientific societies recommend HPV vaccination for previously unvaccinated women who are about to undergo or have already undergone treatment for high-grade cervical lesions.
The decision should be individualized after discussion with a gynecologist or healthcare provider.
I Have Genital Warts. Is Vaccination Still Worthwhile?
Yes.
The presence of genital warts is not a contraindication to HPV vaccination.
The vaccine does not treat existing warts.
However, it may protect against other HPV types and reduce the risk of future HPV infections.
Vaccination is often recommended even after successful treatment of genital warts.
Do I Need an HPV Test Before Vaccination?
No.
Routine HPV testing before vaccination is not recommended.
Likewise, vaccination does not require:
✔ a Pap test,
✔ an HPV DNA test,
✔ HPV genotyping,
✔ blood tests.
The decision to vaccinate should not depend on the results of these investigations.
If I Am Vaccinated, Do I Still Need a Pap Test?
Yes.
This is one of the most important messages every woman should understand.
Although the HPV vaccine provides excellent protection, it does not protect against every HPV type capable of causing cervical disease.
For this reason, vaccinated women should continue to participate in recommended cervical cancer screening programs.
Today, cervical cancer prevention relies on two complementary strategies:
• HPV vaccination,
• regular cervical screening.
Which Is Better: The Pap Test or the HPV DNA Test?
The approach to cervical cancer prevention has evolved considerably over the past decade.
For many years, the Pap test was the cornerstone of cervical cancer screening.
Today, in many countries, HPV DNA testing has become the preferred primary screening method because of its higher sensitivity in identifying women at risk of developing significant cervical disease.
The choice of screening method and the recommended screening interval depend on a woman’s age, medical history, and national guidelines.
Are There People Who Should Not Receive the HPV Vaccine?
The number of contraindications is very limited.
HPV vaccination should not be administered to individuals who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to a previous vaccine dose or to any of its components.
In the case of an acute febrile illness, vaccination is usually postponed until recovery.
Your healthcare provider can advise whether temporary postponement is appropriate.
The Key Message
After more than two decades of clinical experience and hundreds of millions of vaccine doses administered worldwide, the HPV vaccine is considered one of the safest and most effective vaccines in modern medicine.
Current scientific evidence shows that HPV vaccination not only protects against HPV infection but also reduces the incidence of precancerous lesions, may decrease the risk of recurrence after treatment for high-grade cervical disease, and—as the latest Lancet data now demonstrate—contributes to reducing deaths from cervical cancer.
The combination of HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening represents the most effective strategy currently available for preventing a cancer that is, to a large extent, avoidable.
What Are the Current HPV Vaccination Recommendations in Greece?
Over the past few years, Greece has updated its National Immunization Program in line with modern international recommendations, expanding access to HPV vaccination.
Today, HPV vaccination is considered one of the most important preventive healthcare interventions available and is offered free of charge to the recommended population groups through the Greek National Immunization Program.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
According to the current Greek recommendations:
✔ Girls aged 9–18 years.
✔ Boys aged 9–18 years.
The ideal time for vaccination remains before the onset of sexual activity, when the highest level of protection can be achieved.
Are There Special Groups That May Benefit Even More?
Yes.
HPV vaccination is particularly recommended for:
• immunocompromised individuals,
• people living with HIV,
• men who have sex with men (MSM),
• women diagnosed with high-grade cervical lesions (HSIL/CIN2-3),
• women who are scheduled to undergo or have already undergone treatment for high-grade cervical lesions (HSIL/CIN2-3),
• other high-risk groups according to current national recommendations.
What Is the HPV Vaccination Coverage in Greece?
Despite the availability of a safe and highly effective vaccine, HPV vaccination coverage in Greece remains below the target set by the World Health Organization.
According to the latest available national data (2026):
• approximately 52.5% of girls have completed HPV vaccination,
• approximately 27.7% of boys have completed HPV vaccination.
Vaccination rates continue to improve; however, the WHO goal is for 90% of children to be fully vaccinated by the age of 15.
Increasing vaccination coverage remains one of the key steps toward eliminating cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HPV vaccine painful?
Most people experience only mild discomfort at the injection site.
Can I get vaccinated if I already have HPV?
Yes.
The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection, but it may protect against other HPV types.
Can I get vaccinated if I have had genital warts?
Yes.
A history of genital warts is not a contraindication to HPV vaccination.
Should I get vaccinated if I have undergone cervical conization?
In many cases, yes.
HPV vaccination is often recommended, particularly for previously unvaccinated women.
Do I need HPV testing before vaccination?
No.
Routine HPV testing before vaccination is not required.
If I am vaccinated, do I still need cervical screening?
Yes.
HPV vaccination does not replace regular cervical cancer screening.
Should boys receive the HPV vaccine?
Absolutely.
HPV causes significant disease in men, including several types of cancer and genital warts.
Is HPV vaccination worthwhile after the age of 30?
In many cases, yes.
The decision should be individualized after consultation with a healthcare professional.
Key Take-Home Messages
If there are a few essential points to remember, they are these:
✔ HPV infection is extremely common.
✔ HPV can cause several different cancers in both women and men.
✔ HPV vaccination is safe.
✔ It prevents the majority of HPV-related cancers.
✔ Vaccination is most effective before sexual debut but may still benefit many adults.
✔ HPV vaccination does not replace regular cervical screening.
Conclusion
HPV vaccination represents one of the greatest achievements of modern preventive medicine.
For the first time in medical history, we have a vaccine that not only prevents a viral infection but has been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer and, according to the latest evidence, to reduce deaths from the disease as well.
The combination of HPV vaccination, regular cervical screening, and timely treatment of precancerous lesions offers a unique opportunity: the potential elimination of cervical cancer as a major public health problem in the coming decades.
Science has already provided us with the necessary tools.
Awareness, prevention, and timely action are the next steps.
A Personal Message
As a gynecologist, I frequently meet women who are worried about HPV infection, an abnormal Pap test, or genital warts, as well as parents who have concerns about vaccinating their children.
The good news is that modern medicine has dramatically changed the outlook for HPV-related disease.
HPV is no longer a virus against which we are powerless. We now have effective tools for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Accurate information, regular gynecological care, appropriate cervical screening, and timely HPV vaccination represent some of the most important investments in the long-term health of both women and men.
If you have questions about HPV infection, HPV vaccination, or cervical cancer screening, consult your gynecologist or healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate prevention strategy for your individual needs.
References
• The Lancet, 2026.
• World Health Organization (WHO).
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
• Greek National Immunization Program.
• Hellenic HPV Society.
Last Updated: June 2026
This article is based on the latest international recommendations and on the 2026 Lancet data regarding cervical cancer mortality following HPV vaccination.
