Did you know that 80% of people will get a high-risk HPV infection at some point in their lives?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a really common virus that most people will come into contact with at some point in their lives. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Most won’t even know they have it, but for some, it can lead to serious health issues - including cancers of the head, neck, and cervix.
The statistics are shocking: Every year, 700,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with HPV-related cancers. In the UK alone, HPV-related cancer rates have doubled over the past 20 years, making it one of the fastest-growing cancer threats.
Sign Away Cancer – Prevention Starts with a Signature
By signing your child’s Year 8 HPV vaccine consent form, you are taking a vital step in protecting them from HPV-related cancers. This life-saving vaccine is offered to all 12- and 13-year-old boys and girls in UK schools - but it requires your consent.
MISSED YOUR HPV VACCINE? No worries! A free catch-up programme is available for anyone up to age 25 if you were born after 1, September 2006
IMMUNOSUPPRESSED OR AT HIGHER RISK? You may qualify for an additional catch-up programme. Check with your GP or local clinic to see if you're eligible.
Good to know: The HPV vaccine is halal and porcine-free, offering peace of mind for all families.
Watch our campaign video below
HPV Has No Gender
Both men and women are at risk of cancers caused by the virus. By raising awareness and taking proactive steps, we can stop these cancers before they start.
Prevention begins with knowledge - take action now to safeguard tomorrow.
One of the Few Cancers We Can Prevent with a Vaccine
By 2058, the HPV vaccine could prevent over 100,000 cases of cancer in the UK alone—but only if we act now. The HPV vaccine stops the spread of high-risk strains of the virus, preventing the cancers they cause. It also protects against strains that cause genital warts.
With over 100 types of HPV, 12 are considered high-risk and can lead to cancer. Despite these facts, in 2022, only 56% of girls and 52% of boys in the UK were vaccinated—far behind other countries.
Together we can change that!
Help us sign away cancer for good
At Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK, we are raising the alarm about the rapid rise in HPV-related cancers. These high-risk infections are the leading cause of genital and head and neck cancers, and the numbers are rising.
The numbers of cancer caused by HPV are sobering:
Throat, tonsils, tongue cancers
Number of people diagnosed each year in the UK
% caused by HPV
Cervical cancer
Number of people diagnosed each year in the UK
% caused by HPV
Genital cancers
Number of people diagnosed each year in the UK
% caused by HPV
In fact, HPV-related throat, tonsils, tongue cancers in men has now surpassed cervical cancer rates in women in both the UK and the US. These cancers have doubled in just two decades, making HPV one of the fastest-growing cancer risks we face at 30% per annum.
This is one of the few cancers we can prevent with a vaccine
Myth busting
Myth 1
“HPV only affects women”
Fact 1
In reality, HPV can affect all genders.
Myth 2
“Condoms offer full protection”
Fact 2
Condoms reduce risk, but they don’t provide complete protection as HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
Myth 3
“HPV only causes cervical cancer”
Fact 3
HPV is linked to various cancers, including head and neck and genital cancers.
Myth 4
“HPV is rare”
Fact 4
80% of people will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
Pre-Pandemic vaccine uptake in Girls
Vaccine uptake in UK Girls 2022
Vaccine uptake in UK Boys 2022
Vaccination uptake and coverage was initially very good across the UK but fell considerably during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic coverage in girls (2019) was 81% but is now just 56% (2022). The vaccine has only been offered to boys in UK since 2019 and uptake of this is only at 52% (2022)
The HPV vaccine is currently available in schools for both boys and girls. This vaccine serves as a preventative measure against cancers associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Importantly, it is offered free of charge and is strongly recommended for children aged 12 to 13. Additionally, there is a complimentary catch-up program for girls up to 25 years of age and boys (born after 1st September 2006) via all GPs.
Find out more about the HPV vaccine here:
Our Partners Highlighting the Importance of HPV Vaccination
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK collaborates with many other charities in the fight against HPV-related cancers.