Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
HPV vaccination can help prevent cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Hepatitis B vaccination can help prevent liver cancer by preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, including chronic infection that can lead to liver disease or cancer. The vaccines target different viruses, so they are not alternatives to one another.
Which cancers can the HPV vaccine help prevent?
The HPV vaccine protects against HPV types that cause most of these cancers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Penile cancer
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils
Vaccination works by preventing new infections with targeted HPV types. It does not treat an HPV infection or disease that is already present. CDC: Preventing HPV-Associated Cancers
Which cancer can the hepatitis B vaccine help prevent?
The hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent liver cancer by preventing HBV infection. HBV can cause acute illness or become a chronic infection; chronic HBV can lead to liver disease or liver cancer. Vaccination lowers this infection-related risk, but it cannot guarantee that a vaccinated person will never develop liver cancer from another cause. CDC: Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations
#1 Best Overall
How the vaccines differ
| Vaccine | Virus it targets | Cancers it can help prevent | Key qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPV vaccine | Vaccine-targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) types | Cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers | Prevents new infections; does not treat existing HPV infection or disease. |
| Hepatitis B vaccine | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) | Liver cancer | Prevents HBV infection, including infections that might otherwise become chronic. |
These are separate infection-prevention pathways: HPV vaccine does not prevent HBV, and hepatitis B vaccine does not prevent HPV. The CDC describes the vaccines as protecting against different cancer risks. CDC: Vaccines (Shots)
How much HPV-related cancer can vaccination prevent?
CDC figures vary by page and date, so they should be read in their stated context rather than combined. A CDC page published in 2024 says HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV; its clinical overview estimates about 36,500 HPV-caused cancer cases each year in the United States and says vaccination could prevent more than 90%, or about 33,700 cases yearly. CDC: Reasons to Get Vaccinated
A separate CDC HPV and Cancer overview, updated December 8, 2025, reports about 39,300 HPV-caused cancers each year in the United States. That is a different estimate on a later page, not a directly interchangeable version of the 2024 page’s figure. The CDC sources cited here do not provide a comparable percentage for cancers prevented by hepatitis B vaccination. CDC: HPV and Cancer
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What screening and vaccination guidance still matters?
Cervical screening remains important
HPV vaccination does not replace recommended cervical cancer screening. CDC identifies cervical cancer as the HPV-associated cancer site for which screening tests are recommended; screening and follow-up can prevent cervical cancer or find it early. CDC says screening tests for other HPV-associated cancers are not currently recommended. Follow local guidance and discuss individual screening needs with a clinician. CDC: Preventing HPV-Associated Cancers
Rank #3
U.S. HPV vaccine recommendations
In U.S. CDC guidance, HPV vaccination is routinely recommended for preteens ages 11–12 and can start at age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for people not already vaccinated. Some unvaccinated adults ages 27–45 may discuss potential benefit with a clinician. The CDC page identifies Gardasil 9 as the HPV vaccine distributed in the United States and lists coverage of HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; product availability and guidance may change. CDC: Preventing HPV-Associated Cancers
Hepatitis B vaccination
The CDC says hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. Individual schedules, medical considerations, and recommendations vary; check current local guidance and ask a clinician about what applies to you. CDC: Preventing HPV-Associated Cancers
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
