Skip to main content

Call 13 11 20 for information and support

If you or someone you know is looking for cancer-related support, our team will be right here with you.

Call one of our friendly nurses between Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Follow along
  • Cancer prevention
  • Get support
  • Research
  • Get involved
  • About Cancer
  • Health professionals
  • Accommodation
  • About us
  • Latest News
  • First Nations
  • Back to main menu
  • Overview
  • Immunisation and cancer
  • Screening and finding cancer early
  • SunSmart Schools & EarlyChildhood Program
  • Sun protection
  • Smoking and vaping
  • Nutrition, alcohol and physical activity
  • Workplaces
  • Recipes
  • Prevention and early detection resources and fact sheets
  • Back to main menu
  • Overview
  • Support services
  • Coping with cancer
  • Advanced cancer
  • Supporting someone with cancer
  • Resources and fact sheets

Call 13 11 20 for information and support

Immunisation and cancer

There are some viruses that can cause different types of cancer, but thankfully vaccination against these viruses combined with screening and other treatments can help to reduce cancer risk. 

Immunisations that can reduce the risk of cancer include: the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine. If you are unsure of your immunisation status, or want to learn more about your options, speak to your doctor.

Healthcare worker in navy scrubs and gloves administers a shot to a patient. Healthcare worker in navy scrubs and gloves administers a shot to a patient.
HPV immunisation and cancer

HPV stands for human papillomavirus and is a common sexually transmitted infection that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. However, through a combination of the HPV vaccine and cervical screening, most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented.
Medical consultation in a clinic with a doctor in black scrubs and stethoscope talking to a patient. Medical consultation in a clinic with a doctor in black scrubs and stethoscope talking to a patient.
Hepatitis B immunisation and liver cancer

Up to 80 per cent of liver cancer cases can be linked to infection with the hepatitis B or C virus. Thankfully, there are vaccinations and effective treatments for viral hepatitis that are helping to reduce the rates of hepatitis-related liver cancer.