The HPV infection is quite common and in most cases resolves entirely spontaneously and without any consequences on health. However, when the virus is not eliminated, the HPV infection persists in the body and certain cancers can develop. 5% of all cancers are caused by HPV, totaling over 600,000 new cases per year, worldwide.
In Europe, it is estimated that every year there are about 50,000 new cases of cancer caused by HPV; even though most of these are related to cancer of the cervix. Other cancers constitute almost one-third of all cases of HPV-related cancer, in fact in men there are approximately 15,500 new cases including cancer of the anus, penis, head and neck (oral cavity, oropharynx and tonsils).
In women, all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Still in Europe, between 267,000 and around 510,000 new cases each year of precancerous lesions of the cervix have been estimated, related to the 9 types of HPV contained in the new vaccine.
