How to talk to your kid about HPV and cancer prevention

One of the most impactful health conversations you can have with your kids is about 人乳头状瘤病毒 (HPV) and its role in preventing at least six types of cancer.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, but due to its link to cancer, prevention should begin long before any sexual behaviors.

The good news? The HPV vaccine can protect against this virus, and ultimately, prevent cancer.

When should my child receive the HPV vaccine?

Young people ages 9–12 should get vaccinated against HPV. While HPV is best known for causing 宫颈癌, it can cause at least five other types of cancer.

The vaccine is most effective when given to young people before they are exposed to HPV. But a conversation with your kid about the HPV vaccine doesn’t need to revolve around sex; it’s about their health and staying ahead of cancer. In fact, studies show that getting the HPV vaccine doesn’t encourage people to become sexually active—it simply gives them a head start on staying healthy

And if your child is older, it’s not too late—teens and young adults who were not fully vaccinated when younger can “catch up” and get vaccinated against HPV.

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How should I approach the conversation?

1. Lead with health, not fear.

When talking about HPV, it can be easy for your mind to immediately focus on STIs or cancer—and while those are serious outcomes, they don’t need to be the starting point. Instead of focusing on cancer or STIs right away, start with the basics. Share that there is a vaccine that protects against a virus that can cause cancer later in life, and getting the vaccine is a simple way to stay healthy.

This frames the conversation around health and prevention, not fear.

2. Explain what HPV is.

Keep it simple and factual:

• HPV is very common—most people get it at some point.

• It usually goes away on its own, but some types can cause cancer.

• The vaccine protects against the most dangerous strains of HPV.

Let them know the decision to get vaccinated need not be based on particular behaviors, but is a smart health choice to prevent cancer from an early age.

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3. Talk about the vaccine as routine care.

You can normalize the HPV vaccine like any other vaccine. Just like a shot to protect from the flu, the HPV vaccine can protect from HPV—but in this case, it can ultimately, prevent cancer.

If your child is nervous, remind them it’s safe and effective, and backed by years of research, extensive testing and trials. You can also invite them into a conversation with their pediatrician or health care provider about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

When given as recommended, the HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers, including more than 90% of cervical cancers and more than 90% of anal cancers.

另请阅读 | I’m a physician. Here are my patients’ most-asked questions about the HPV vaccine. 

4. Encourage questions—and be honest.

Kids are curious. They might ask:

“Is this about sex?”

The vaccine is most effective when given at a young age, when the immune response is strongest. This gives them full protection before they encounter the virus. By vaccinating well before they become sexually active, you are helping them protect against cancer later in life.

“Why do boys need it, too?”

While HPV is best known for causing cervical cancer, the virus is also linked to penile cancer, as well as other cancers that can affect people of any sex. So yes, boys and girls should get vaccinated!

“Does it hurt?”

Like any shot, there may be some brief discomfort during or after the vaccine is administered. But the short-term pain is worth it in the long run to protect your health and prevent cancer down the road.

Talking to your child or teen about HPV and cancer prevention isn’t just about one vaccine—it’s about empowering them to make informed, healthy choices throughout their lives.

You don’t have to be perfect—just present, open and supportive. For more information on HPV and vaccination, visit preventcancer.org/hpv.