When you think about cancer prevention, odds are your mind doesn’t immediately go to vaccination. But in fact, there are vaccines that can help prevent cancers caused by particular viruses. One of those is the HPV vaccine, which protects against something called human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to certain cancers in both men and women, including cervical cancer. In fact, almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, according to the National Cancer Institute. These cancers can take years, even decades, to develop—long after the person is infected with HPV. At one time, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer death among women. Thanks to the HPV vaccine and screenings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it’s now one of the most preventable cancers. The HPV vaccine, which is most effective when given to people ages 11 to 12, before they come into contact with the virus, can prevent 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV. That’s pretty remarkable, isn’t it?

This month, in honor of cervical cancer awareness month, take some time to educate yourself about what cervical cancer is and how it can be prevented. Read on to learn more.  

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus, connecting it to the vagina. Cervical cancer begins as pre-cancerous cells, which can be identified during cervical cancer screening tests, which include HPV tests and Pap tests. Every year in the U.S., there are 200,000 cases of cervical pre-cancer, 10,800 cases of cervical cancer and 4,000 cervical cancer deaths, according to the CDC.

What is HPV?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, infecting close to 14 million people every year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some strains can lead to cancer, while others can clear up on their own.

Who can get HPV?

Anyone who is sexually active is susceptible to HPV, regardless of gender. “HPV is so common that most sexually active people who aren’t vaccinated against HPV will become infected at some point in their lives,” says the Cleveland Clinic. In the majority of cases, HPV goes away without the infected person ever knowing they were infected. But in cases where it doesn’t go away, it can cause health problems aside from cervical cancer, including genital warts and cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus and back of the throat.

Who should get screened for cervical cancer and HPV?

The American Cancer Society says that for individuals with an average risk, cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25; and that people age 25 to 65 should have an HPV test every three to five years.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for girls and boys starting at 11 or 12 years old, although it could be given as early as 9 and through age 26. If you’re between the ages of 27 and 45 and haven’t been vaccinated, talk with your health care provider about the pros and cons of doing so. The vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy.

 How can you prevent HPV?

HPV is most commonly spread through vaginal and anal sex, and can also be spread through oral sex. A person can pass the virus along even if they don’t have symptoms, and they don’t know they’re infected. Again, the HPV vaccine is the most effective way of preventing it. In addition, sexually active people should use latex condoms every time they have sex, says the CDC, and be in a mutually monogamous relationship, or have sex with someone who solely has sex with them.

Can you be treated for HPV?

There is no treatment for HPV, but different issues caused by HPV—such as genital warts, cervical pre-cancer and HPV-related cancers—can be treated by your healthcare provider.

The earlier you are diagnosed and treated, the better your prognosis will be, so talk with your doctor today about whether screening, vaccination or both are right for you and your family.