What exactly is hpv and does it really mean you'll eventually get cancer?

Just yesterday my best friend was told she has hpv. She’s not the only person I know that’s been diagnosed. 4 other girl friends of mine also have it. Apparently it’s more common that I thought. I’ve heard of those shots that can help prevent it, but I’m not confortable injecting myself with something that just recently came out. I need to know more about it. So what exactly is hpv? Any symptoms? Any cure? My friend said the doctor mentioned cancer. And informed her that she will need to keep coming back to make sure the cancer cells haven’t attached to her uterine wall?! Yikes. I’m almost afraid to get checked out now. I’ve only been with my fiancé for awhile but I’ve heard you can have it for a long time and never know it. Any information (for my peace of mind as well as my friend’s) is appreciated!