Free, independent CPD for Irish doctors by Irish doctors

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and its clinical implications DCPD

By

• Prof Cara Martin

Reviewed by: Dawn O'Shea

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About this Module

In this podcast-based CPD module, host Dawn O’Shea is joined by Prof Cara Martin, Associate Professor in Molecular Pathology, Tumour Biology and Cancer Screening at Trinity College Dublin, to take an in-depth look at human papillomavirus (HPV) and its clinical implications.

Prof Martin explores the evolving understanding of HPV, its role in cancer development, and the major advances in vaccination and screening that are transforming cancer prevention in Ireland and internationally. The discussion highlights where we are now, what clinicians need to know, and how collective action can help move towards cancer elimination.

Five key takeaways:

1. HPV Is Extremely Common but Usually Transient:
   Up to 80–90 per cent of people will acquire HPV at some point in their lives, with most infections clearing naturally within 12–15 months without causing symptoms or disease.
2. HPV Causes Multiple Cancers in Both Women and Men:
   While cervical cancer is the most recognised HPV-related malignancy, HPV is also responsible for anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulval, and vaginal cancers—over 30 per cent of HPV-associated cancers in Ireland occur in men.
3. Vaccination Is Driving Cancer Elimination:
   Countries with early HPV vaccine uptake are reporting near-elimination of cervical cancer. In Ireland, early data already show significant reductions in pre-cancerous cervical disease among vaccinated cohorts.
4. HPV-Positive Cancers Have Better Outcomes:
   HPV-driven cancers tend to respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and have a more favourable prognosis compared with HPV-negative cancers, which are often linked to smoking and alcohol exposure.
5. Clinicians Play a Key Role in Prevention:
   Trusted conversations with patients about HPV vaccination and screening remain one of the most effective ways to combat misinformation, reduce vaccine hesitancy, and improve uptake—particularly among boys and high-risk groups.

This module provides essential clinical context, practical insights, and a clear public health message: HPV-related cancers are largely preventable, and continued engagement with vaccination and screening programmes is critical to reducing cancer burden.

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Module Steps

To earn CME credit, follow these steps:

• Listen to the podcast.
• Complete the 5 MCQs that follow. After each question, you will be able to see whether you answered correctly and will then read evidence-based information that supports the most appropriate answer choice. These questions are part of the educational content and are designed to challenge you. You will not be penalised for answering the questions incorrectly.
• Complete the 10 True or False questions in the Post-Module Assessment. These questions are designed to demonstrate that the module has improved your knowledge base on this topic.
• On attaining a score of 70% or more on the Post-Module Assessment, the assigned CPD credits will be logged to your personal CPD activity log. You may view or print a verification certificate when required or print off an email stating the name of the module, the author details and the CPD hours. You will not be able to alter the certificate or log. The credit that you receive is based on your user profile.
• By providing information on how the module has enhanced your knowledge and/or practice, you may qualify for additional CPD credits during a CPD review.
• DoctorCPD encourages you to complete the Activity Evaluation to provide feedback to guide us in the future development of this site.

Each DoctorCPD module is designed to be completed within the time designated on the Module Introduction page. This is an estimate of the maximum time required to complete the specific module and is determined by the format and content of the module. Users should claim only those credits that reflect the time actually spent on the activity.

To successfully earn credit, participants must complete the activity online, and receive a minimum score of 70% on the post-module assessment.