This is the first study to directly assess the impact of the HPV vaccine on cervical cancer deaths. The results show a significant reduction in deaths since the UK introduced HPV vaccination for schoolgirls in 2008.

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London estimate that approximately 200 cervical cancer deaths have been prevented in the UK due to the vaccination program. During the 2020-2024 period, no cervical cancer deaths were recorded among women aged 20-24. Without the vaccine, the research team estimates there could have been about 23 deaths in this age group.

Professor Peter Sasieni, head of the research team, stated that these findings indicate a single dose of the vaccine can almost eliminate the risk of death from a specific type of cancer in those vaccinated at the correct age. He noted that the current reduction is only the beginning, as vaccinated generations will continue to age into higher-risk groups.

Four-strain HPV vaccine. Photo: US CDC

Cervical cancer is currently the 14th most common cancer among women in the UK, with approximately 3,300 new cases annually. HPV, a virus transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, is linked to about 99% of cervical cancer cases. Most HPV infections resolve naturally, but some can cause abnormal cell changes, leading to cancer years later.

Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, considers this a significant milestone. The organization highlights the HPV vaccine's high effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer before onset, and states that this is the first clear evidence that the immunization program is saving lives.

However, experts warn that HPV vaccination rates in the UK are below recommended levels. Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that during the 2024-2025 academic year, 76% of girls in England received the vaccine before age 15. This figure falls short of the World Health Organization's 90% target, deemed necessary to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue.

Experts advise unvaccinated adolescents or those who missed their scheduled doses to actively participate in catch-up vaccination programs. Despite the widespread deployment of the HPV vaccine, women aged 25 to 64 are still advised to undergo regular cervical cancer screenings, as the vaccine does not entirely replace screening.

Since 2019, the UK has also offered HPV vaccination to boys. This helps protect males against certain HPV-related cancers, such as anal, penile, throat, and mouth cancers, while also reducing the risk of virus transmission to females.

The UK government aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040. The country's health authorities are increasing vaccination rates, implementing catch-up campaigns, and sending HPV self-sampling kits to women who have not yet participated in screening.

Van Ha (According to BBC)