International HPV Awareness Day reminds us that immunisation and screening protect people from cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

While cervical cancer is a well-known HPV-related cancer, the virus can also cause head and neck cancers and cancers in other parts of the body, in all genders. More than half of HPV-related cancers affect the throat and mouth, and around one third affect males.

Immunisation helps protect against these cancers.

Dr Nick Chamberlain, National Director of the National Public Health Service at Health New Zealand, says increasing HPV immunisation coverage remains a priority, particularly given current uptake levels.

HPV immunisation rates among 15-year-olds in New Zealand are low, currently 59.3% across the total population, with coverage at 51.4% for Māori and 55.0% for Pacific young people.>

Dr Chamberlain says lifting these immunisation rates now will help keep more people healthy in the future. “HPV vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent a range of cancers later in life. Improving immunisation coverage now will make a real difference to the long-term health of our communities.”

The National Cervical Screening Programme uses HPV primary screening, which detects the virus responsible for more than 95% of cervical cancers. Screening helps identify early cell changes before they develop into cancer, while HPV immunisation prevents the infections that cause those changes.

Since the introduction of the HPV self-test in September 2023, participation in cervical screening has increased steadily. More than 870,000 people have taken part, with 81.9% choosing to self-test, lifting national screening coverage from 67% to 75.34%.

“It’s encouraging to see more people choosing to take part in screening, particularly through self-testing,” Dr Chamberlain says.

“Immunisation and screening protect people by preventing cancer where we can and detecting it early when we can’t.”

Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping young people stay protected. Checking immunisation records, talking with young people about the importance of HPV vaccination, and contacting schools, GPs or local healthcare providers if a dose has been missed can help ensure protection is not delayed.”

Getting immunised and taking part in regular screening helps prevent cancers and enables early intervention when cancer is detected.