WORLDWIDE CONTACT US ABOUT US INVENTING FOR LIFE PRODUCTS RESEARCH LICENSING NEWSROOM CAREERS INVESTORS Home HPV AWARENESS What is HPV? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. For most people, HPV clears up on its own. But for others who don’t clear the virus, certain types of HPV can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females and anal cancer in both males and females. Other types can cause genital warts in both males and females. HPV-Related Cancers and Diseases: A Worldwide Problem HPV infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. About 14 million new genital HPV infections occur each year. For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for others who don't clear the virus, certain types of HPV can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females and anal cancer in both males and females. Other types can cause genital warts in both males and females. An estimated 528,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed globally each year; more than 80 percent of the cases occur in developing countries. In the U.S., there are an estimated 12,900 new cervical cancer cases each year. SCREENING MATTERS These women are more than just numbers; each has her own story to share. Drawing on their experience to help elevate awareness of HPV-related cancers and diseases, these women courageously serve as voices of prevention. Quita's Story Quita, like many other women, didn't know about HPV and that some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Fortunately, Quita was diagnosed early thanks to her diligence in getting screenings, and today she is healthy and enjoying life with her young son. She encourages everyone to talk with their doctors about ways to protect themselves. Michele's Story When Michele Baldwin, a single mother in her forties, was diagnosed with cervical cancer, she knew she wanted to do something to help increase awareness of the disease. Michele partnered with the Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC) to complete a 700-mile paddle board expedition across the Ganges River in November 2011, with the goal of helping to increase knowledge about cervical cancer among women in India. Watch Michele’s video. FROM UGANDA TO BHUTAN, VIETNAM AND INDIA–A WORLDWIDE EFFORT AGAINST HPV-RELATED CANCERS Merck collaborates with organizations and local governments worldwide to help foster community access to HPV education, prevention and detection methods. By helping to raise awareness of the connection between HPV and cervical cancer, increasing access to cervical cancer screenings and other prevention programs, we aim to empower communities worldwide to reduce the burden of certain HPV-related cancers. LEARN MORE Published Jul. 2016 Copyright. © 2009-2017 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map