Risk Screener Please indicate your gender Female Male HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Exposure to HPV can happen, even if a person has only had sex once or with only one person. Knowing the factors that can affect your risk of contracting HPV can help you identify the steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. Please indicate your ageCervical cancer rarely develops in young women; most cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 years, with the average age at diagnosis being 50 years. Many older women do not realize that the risk of cervical cancer is still present as they age. < 18 years old 18 – 40 years old > 45 years old Do you always have safe sex (e.g., with a condom/diaphrapm)?Practising safe sex may reduce your risk of HPV-related diseases and cancers by limiting your exposure to HPV and other STIs. However, it is worth noting that HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom. As such, it may not offer complete protection against HPV. Yes No Have you been vaccinated against HPV?Apart from vaccination, abstinence is the only sure way of preventing HPV and its many ills. The HPV vaccine benefits all individuals, regardless of their relationship status and sexual status or practices. HPV vaccination is recommended in individuals from age 9 through 45 years. Yes No HPV is not just a female problem. HPV infections in men can lead to serious conditions like anal cancer and cancers of the head and neck. Knowing the factors that can affect your risk of contracting HPV can help you identify the steps you should take to lower your risk.HPV vaccines offer the greatest protection when administered prior to HPV exposure (i.e., before the onset of sexual activity). Nevertheless, those who are sexually active may still benefit from the vaccine, as they may not have been exposed to the HPV subtypes covered by the vaccine. Even in a monogamous relationship, the risk of HPV is present because an HPV infection can be asymptomatic and remain undetected for many years.
