It’s no secret that human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s so common that nearly every person will be exposed to it at some point in their life.

But what you might not know is that HPV has been linked to cervical cancer and other cancers of the reproductive system. That’s why it’s essential to know your status and get vaccinated if you’re not already protected against HPV.

Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly, but the disease is virtually always preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.