HPV Vaccine Cuts Cervical Cancer Death Risk Before 30 to Near Zero, Saving Nearly 200
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 17
HPV Vaccine Cuts Cervical Cancer Death Risk Before 30 to Near Zero, Saving Nearly 200
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 17
Summary
Nearly 200 young women in England have avoided cervical cancer deaths since HPV vaccination began in 2008, with girls vaccinated at 12 or 13 facing an almost zero risk before age 30, QMUL researchers found.
63% lower mortality was estimated for vaccinated women aged 30 to 34, and no women aged 20 to 24 died from cervical cancer in England between 2020 and 2024.
90% vaccine uptake among women born between 1995 and 2004 underpins the gains, but rates have fallen to 75% nationally and 60% in London since the pandemic.
15-25 avoidable deaths a year in young women could return without a recovery in uptake, researchers said, warning England could eventually forgo prevention of about 200 cervical cancer deaths annually.
90% of cervical cancers are preventable with vaccination, and health officials say pairing the jab with screening remains central to the NHS goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.
As England nears cervical cancer elimination, why might many nations not reach this goal until the next century?
The HPV vaccine is a proven lifesaver, so why are vaccination rates falling below target in successful countries?
With at-home HPV tests now available, will traditional cervical cancer screening soon become a thing of the past?
Eliminating Cervical Cancer Deaths in Young Women: England’s Success with HPV Vaccination and Screening (2020–2024)
Overview
England has achieved a major public health milestone with zero cervical cancer deaths among women aged 20-24 from 2020 to 2024, thanks to the strong impact of the HPV vaccination program and ongoing cervical screening efforts. The vaccine has proven highly effective, dramatically reducing cancer risk in young women, while screening acts as a safety net to catch any early changes. However, challenges remain, such as regional disparities in vaccine uptake and declining screening attendance, especially in underserved groups. Continued efforts to improve coverage and awareness are essential to extend these life-saving benefits to all age groups and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer.