UICC marks International HPV Awareness Day

This Sunday 4 March, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) will be joining forces with around 80 organisations worldwide to commemorate the 1st annual International HPV Awareness Day. The goal of the day is to spark conversation and promote a worldwide exchange of ideas, knowledge, and research materials about human papillomaviruses (HPV) and their associated diseases.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are sexually transmitted viruses that are very common worldwide. There are more than 200 different HPV types, 80% of people will have HPV at some point in their lifetime and while for many it will cause no harm, some types of HPVs are known to cause certain cancers such as cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancer. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women and an estimated 270,000 women die of cervical cancer every year.

International HPV Awareness Day is led by the International Papilloma Virus Society and this year the campaign message is Give Love, Not HPV.

“We believe love is the foundation of a happy and healthy life. Whether it’s familial love, love between friends or romantic love, it is important that we look after and protect the people we care about” said IPVS President Dr Silvia De San José.

“We are proud to add the UICC voice to the first ever International HPV Awareness Day, because everyone has the right to clear health information and access to affordable and quality services against HPV-related cancers” said Dr Julie Torode, UICC’s Deputy CEO and Director of Advocacy & Networks.

Dr Joel Palefsky, who chairs the expert committee behind the campaign welcomed the support and partnership, saying:

“HPV Awareness Day will raise awareness of HPVs and help make people aware of their prevention and treatment options. We know what works and we know we have to work together. On 4 March events will take place around the world inspiring conversations and building a movement to deliver action to combat this silent killer.”

UICC encourages 1000-strong member organisations across the world to join International HPV Awareness Day this 4 March and use the day to address gaps in awareness and understanding about HPV vaccination, and early detection and treatment options for HPV-related cancers, with policy makers and the public.

For more information about International HPV Awareness Day visit www.givelovenothpv.org.