Could the HPV vaccine eliminate cervical cancer deaths?
Summary
A study in the UK shows that the HPV vaccine has almost completely prevented deaths from cervical cancer in women under 30. This vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer, which is often found in young women.Key Facts
- The HPV vaccine was introduced in the UK in 2008 for teenage boys and girls.
- A recent study found no deaths from cervical cancer in UK women aged 20-24 from 2020 to 2024.
- Without the vaccine, about 23 deaths would have been expected in that age group during this period.
- Cervical cancer is mainly caused by persistent infection with certain types of HPV.
- HPV is a common virus spread mostly through sexual contact and often clears on its own.
- About 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer occur worldwide each year, with around 350,000 deaths.
- The vaccine helps prevent infection with high-risk HPV strains, lowering cancer risk.
- Most cervical cancer deaths happen in low and middle-income countries where vaccination and screening are less common.
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