Young women vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) in childhood now face a risk of dying from cervical cancer that is close to zero before the age of 30, according to new research. Between 2020 and 2024, the study recorded no deaths from cervical cancer among women aged 20 to 24, a first for any five-year period and significantly lower than the approximately 23 deaths that would have been expected without vaccination.<\/p>\n
Professor Peter Sasieni, lead researcher at Queen Mary University of London, described the findings as remarkable, stating that a single vaccine can nearly eliminate a specific cancer. While HPV is believed to cause 99% of cervical cancer cases, most infections resolve without issue. However, some can lead to abnormal cell changes and cancer years later.<\/p>\n
Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, called the results an “incredible milestone.” The organization noted that these findings demonstrate the vaccine’s effectiveness in saving lives, but also expressed concern that vaccination rates in England are below recommended levels. Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, emphasized the importance of addressing this decline.<\/p>\n
The report’s authors anticipate a continued decrease in cervical cancer deaths as more individuals receive the HPV vaccine and as vaccinated populations age. Professor Sasieni views the reduction in deaths as the “tip of the iceberg,” predicting that many more lives will be saved from cervical cancer as vaccinated generations grow older. He stressed the vital role of maintaining high HPV vaccination levels for continued protection.<\/p>\n
Despite the vaccine’s success, cervical cancer remains the 14th most common cancer among females in the UK, with around 3,300 diagnoses annually. The UK government has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.<\/p>\n
Current data indicates that HPV vaccination rates have fallen below targets. In 2024-25, only 76% of girls in England received the vaccine by age 15, falling short of the 90% recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for cervical cancer elimination. Mitchell urged for targeted action to improve uptake in communities with lower vaccination rates.<\/p>\n
Dr. Sharif Ismail from the UK Health Security Agency encouraged young people who missed their vaccination to come forward. The Department of Health and Social Care in England acknowledged the vaccine’s “extraordinary impact” and is working to boost uptake through initiatives like catch-up vaccination campaigns in community pharmacies. HPV self-testing kits are also being distributed to women who have not undergone screening.<\/p>\n
The HPV vaccine has been offered to boys in the UK since 2019, protecting them against anal, penile, throat, and mouth cancers, and reducing the transmission of the virus. However, women aged 25 to 64 are still advised to attend cervical screening appointments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
New research indicates a near-zero risk of cervical cancer death for young women vaccinated against HPV in childhood, marking a significant public health milestone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2099,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[2145,2144,2143,1729,2146],"yoast_head":"\n