HPV Vaccine Linked to Near-Elimination of Cervical Cancer Deaths in Young Women, Study Finds

A groundbreaking study has revealed that children vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at ages 12 to 13 face an almost zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30.

The research, funded by Cancer Research UK and led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, provides the strongest evidence yet that the HPV vaccination programme is dramatically reducing cervical cancer deaths across England.

According to the study, published in The Lancet, an estimated 200 lives have already been saved since the vaccine was first introduced for girls in 2008. The programme was later expanded to include boys in 2019. Researchers expect the number of lives saved to increase significantly as more vaccinated generations reach adulthood.

One of the most striking findings showed that between 2020 and 2024, there were no recorded deaths from cervical cancer among women aged 20 to 24 in England. Without the HPV vaccination programme, experts estimate that approximately 23 deaths would have occurred during that period.

The study also found an 80% reduction in cervical cancer deaths among women aged 20 to 24 between 2015 and 2019, highlighting the vaccine’s growing impact.

Beyond protecting against cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine also helps prevent genital warts and several other cancers linked to the virus, including cancers of the mouth, throat, and head and neck region.

The vaccine is routinely offered to students in Year 8, with additional catch-up programmes available in some areas for older students.

Despite the success of the vaccination programme, health experts have expressed concern about declining uptake rates in recent years.

Cancer Research UK reports that around one in four young people currently leaves school without receiving the HPV vaccine. During the 2024–25 academic year, nearly 72% of Year 8 girls and 67% of boys in England received the vaccine. By Year 10, coverage increased to 75.5% for girls and 70.5% for boys.

However, these figures remain below the World Health Organization's target of 90% vaccination coverage for girls and are lower than the previous year's rates.

London recorded the lowest vaccination rates in England, with 62.6% of girls and 57.7% of boys receiving the vaccine.

The HPV vaccine has now been introduced in around 100 countries as part of the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, described the findings as a powerful demonstration of the benefits of scientific innovation combined with strong public health initiatives.

She emphasized that HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening are bringing the goal of virtually eliminating cervical cancer within reach. However, she warned that declining vaccination rates could jeopardize that progress.

Lead researcher Professor Peter Sasieni of Queen Mary University of London said the study is the first to directly demonstrate the vaccine’s impact on reducing cervical cancer deaths.

He noted that while nearly 200 young women have already been spared from dying of cervical cancer, this represents only the beginning of the vaccine's long-term benefits. As vaccinated generations grow older, researchers expect many more lives to be saved in the years ahead.

The findings reinforce the HPV vaccine's role as one of the most successful cancer-prevention measures ever introduced and highlight the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect future generations.