HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and is so common that most sexually active adults become infected at some point in their lives.
Vaccination can protect against infection by the most common HPV types and afford protection against cancer and genital warts. The UK now has a comprehensive HPV vaccination programme for 12/13 year old girls. There is also a cervical cancer screening programme that tests for pre-cancerous cells and enables early and effective treatment.
The symposium is aimed at clinicians, epidemiologists, scientists, public health specialists, patient organisations and others with a special interest in HPV and who are opinion-leaders in this field. It is envisaged that around 45 people will attend, a number that will enable effective interaction between all the participants.