HPV vaccine linked to near-zero cervical cancer death risk in young women, study finds

A new study has revealed that young women vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) are now facing a near-zero risk of dying from cervical cancer, highlighting the powerful impact of vaccination programs.

The landmark research found that girls who received the HPV vaccine at ages 12 to 13 have had a dramatic reduction in cervical cancer deaths before the age of 30.

According to the findings, no cervical cancer deaths were recorded among women aged 20 to 24 in England between 2020 and 2024—the first time this has happened over a five-year period.

Researchers said deaths would have been expected without the introduction of HPV vaccination.

The study also suggested that around 200 lives have already been saved in England since school-aged girls began receiving HPV vaccines in 2008.

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and remains one of the most common cancers affecting women globally.

It is strongly linked to HPV, a virus that causes almost all cervical cancer cases.

While most HPV infections clear naturally without causing serious health problems, some types can lead to abnormal cell changes that may develop into cancer years later.

The latest findings were welcomed by health experts, with Cancer Research UK describing the results as an “incredible milestone.”

However, the organization also warned that vaccination rates remain below recommended levels in England.

Prof Sasieni, a cancer epidemiology specialist at Queen Mary University of London, said the reduction in deaths following the introduction of the vaccine represents only the beginning of its impact.

“As vaccinated generations grow older, we'll see many more lives saved from cervical cancer,” he said.

The HPV vaccine protects against several cancers linked to the virus, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulval cancer, and vaginal cancer. Some HPV infections are also associated with certain head and neck cancers.

Health officials recommend the HPV vaccine for children aged 12 and 13, as well as those under 24 who missed receiving it earlier.

The vaccine is also available to males and transgender individuals who meet eligibility criteria.

The vaccine is generally considered safe, with the main exception being people who have previously experienced a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine ingredient or earlier dose.

The UK government has set a goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2040, with vaccination and screening programs playing a key role in reaching that target.

Researchers expect cervical cancer death rates to continue declining as more vaccinated generations reach older ages, potentially preventing thousands of future cases.