The human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause cell changes in the cervix which over time can develop into cancer.
Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women.
There are more than 100 types of HPV, of which at least 14 are cancer-causing (also known as high risk type).
Two HPV types (16 and 18) cause 70% of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions.
There is also evidence linking HPV with cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharynx.
In England, girls and boys aged 12 to 13 years are routinely offered the 1st HPV vaccination when they're in school Year 8. The 2nd dose is offered 6 to 24 months after the 1st dose.
It's important to have both doses of the vaccine to be properly protected.
If you're eligible and missed the HPV vaccine in school Year 8, you can have it free on the NHS up until your 25th birthday.
You can read more about HPV
here