Every year, about 400 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the country. Specialists emphasize that the main cause of this disease is the human papillomavirus (HPV), and the most reliable means of protection are vaccinations, NVSC said in a press release.
HPV is an extremely common viral infection that can affect both women and men. Most often, the virus is spread during sexual intercourse or through close contact of the skin and mucous membranes. In most cases, the virus does not cause any symptoms, but a person can be a carrier of the virus and pass it on to others.
Although about 90 percent in some cases, the virus disappears from the body by itself within a few years, in some cases it can cause precancerous changes or cancerous diseases. It was established that even 99 percent cervical cancer cases are associated with HPV infection.
Vaccines are effective
The NVSC emphasizes that the most effective protection against the most dangerous types of HPV is vaccination. In Lithuania, according to the Children’s preventive vaccination calendar from 2016 September 1 11-year-old girls started to be vaccinated with this vaccine free of charge, and from 2023 – all 11-year-old children.
123RF.com photo/Cervical cancer
According to the NVSC, the volume of vaccinations in Lithuania is gradually increasing, but still does not reach the recommended level. In 2025, 60.45 percent were vaccinated. eleven-year-olds and 73.66 percent. twelve-year-old children. In 2024, these indicators were lower – 59.37 percent were vaccinated. eleven-year-olds and 70.73 percent. twelve-year-olds, and in 2023 even lower – 56.10 percent. eleven-year-olds and 62.74 percent. twelve-year-old children.
“Vaccines against the human papilloma virus are safe, effective and scientifically based. Getting vaccinated before possible contact with the virus can reliably reduce the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It is very important to understand that this infection often spreads unnoticed, so vaccinations are not only personal protection, but also a responsible decision to protect others,” emphasizes Ina Venslovienė, chief specialist of the Infectious Diseases Management Department of the NVSC.
HPV is dangerous for both sexes
We remind you that HPV infection is dangerous not only for women, but also for men. For the latter, the virus can cause genital warts, as well as cancers of the anus, penis, mouth, pharynx or larynx. Since there are no screening programs for HPV-caused diseases in Lithuania, vaccinations remain the only reliable means of protection.
“It is important that parents make decisions about children’s vaccinations based on reliable information based on scientific evidence. Vaccination in accordance with the children’s preventive vaccination calendar is one of the most effective means of protecting children from infectious diseases and their complications, so we encourage you not to delay and take care of children’s vaccinations on time,” notes the NVSC representative.
You can find more information about HPV vaccines here here.
You will find the vaccination calendar for children, answers to frequently asked questions and other information about vaccination here.
