Academic research described in the late 1980’s the causal association between human
papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, later expanded to significant fractions of all
other genital tract cancers in both genders as well as a proportion of the cancers of the
oral cavity and oropharynx. Prophylactic phase III HPV vaccine trials have shown
complete type specific vaccine efficacy against two HPV types, namely HPV 16 and 18,
that together account for over 70% of cervical cancer worldwide. HPV vaccines have
proven in trials to have an excellent safety record. Most developed populations have
introduced HPV vaccines as part of their routine vaccination schemes and introduction
into developing countries is being actively planned. In 2012, over 100 million vaccine
doses have been delivered and records of continuous efficacy and safety are
encouraging. Comprehensive strategies of HPV vaccination and HPV based screening
tests could theoretically eliminate cervical cancer in defined populations
