International HPV Awareness Day is observed annually on March 4. It was established to help spread awareness about H.P.V. and educate people about vaccinations and other preventative measures. It allows people to better understand the dangers, signs, and symptoms of H.P.V. The virus is known to be the major cause of cervical cancer. This virus has been known to also cause some types of skin and mucosal cancers.
History of HPV Awareness Day
This special holiday is used to promote better public health by creating awareness about H.P.V. This is a holiday that is recognized worldwide. Its main goal is to educate the general public about the steps to take to effectively prevent the spread of the virus. International HPV Awareness Day is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the survivors of H.P.V.-related cancers. H.P.V. is a major health issue that affects a lot of people.
According to the International Papillomavirus Society, the disease affects over 700,000 people every year. The goal is to help everyone across the globe to learn more about H.P.V. and take actionable steps toward stopping the spread of the virus. H.P.V. is a common virus that is dangerous. It is known to cause different types of cancer including cervical cancer, skin cancer, and throat cancer.
H.P.V. is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. Infection is asymptomatic in most cases and the virus can be eliminated by the immune system before it develops a pathogenic effect. It can also lead to a persistent viral disease that can manifest in different ways. It can lead to cancer, lesions of the skin, and mucous membranes. Genital cancers such as cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and penis can occur when the immune system fails to quickly eliminate the virus from the body.
Well-established protection tools such as primary prevention measures (vaccination) and secondary prevention measures (screening) can be used to prevent H.P.V.-related cancers.
HPV Awareness Day timeline
Secondary prevention of cervical cancer includes screening through cytological examinations (pap tests).
Screening becomes regulated on a regional basis.
The Local Health Board offers free outpatient invitations every three years to women aged between 25 and 64 to take a pap test.
In the U.S., it is estimated that more than 14,480 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed.
HPV Awareness Day FAQs
How long does H.P.V. last?
The virus can linger in the body for years depending on the type of H.P.V.
Can you be immune to H.P.V.?
Within one to two years, the body can produce antibodies against the virus and clear it.
Can you get H.P.V. from fingers?
While it is not a common mode of transmission, you can get H.P.V. through hand contact.
How to Observe HPV Awareness Day
Get vaccinated
If you are in the age range, you should get vaccinated against H.P.V. Vaccinations help prevent the effects of the virus.
Encourage others to get vaccinated
Educate your loved ones about the dangers of H.P.V. Encourage them to take steps toward prevention.
Share the facts on social media
Share information about the virus with friends and loved ones on social media. Let them know that the H.P.V. vaccination is safe, effective, and long-lasting.
5 Important Facts About H.P.V.
Pap tests help prevent cancer
Taking a pap test can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by about 70%.
There is no cure
There is currently no cure for H.P.V., but there is a vaccine.
It can be asymptomatic
Some people show no signs of infection and may only know they have it if they have an abnormal Pap Smear result.
H.P.V. can go away on its own
H.P.V. sometimes goes away on its own within two years without health problems.
It causes health problems
Genital warts and cancer can be caused by H.P.V.
Why HPV Awareness Day is Important
It raises awareness
Roughly 600,000 people are diagnosed with H.P.V.-associated cancers each year. This day helps spread information about H.P.V.
It promotes prevention
Awareness about this day also includes various ways of prevention. It encourages more people to take steps towards the prevention of the virus.
It leads to better public health
The holiday creates awareness about H.P.V. so more people can take better care of their health. This promotes more regular check-ups.
HPV Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 4 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 4 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 4 | Saturday |
| 2029 | March 4 | Sunday |
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