Young women now have ‘close to zero’ risk of death from cervical cancer after HPV vaccine

New studies have found that the HPV vaccine has saved hundreds of lives from cervical cancer.

The study, the first of its kind, showed that cervical cancer deaths have sharply fallen since the HPV vaccine began being offered to school girls in 2008. Around 200 lives have been saved in England because of the HPV vaccine.

Between 2020 and 2024, zero cervical cancer deaths were recorded in women aged 20-24. This is the first time that has ever happened over five years, and without the vaccination, over 20 deaths would have been expected.

Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer among women in the UK, with 3,300 people diagnosed every year. It is thought that HPV causes 99% of all cervical cancer cases.

HPV is a virus spread through close skin-to-skin contact. Infections can clear up without any problems, but can sometimes cause abnormal cell changes leading to cancer years later.

Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, described the findings as an "incredible milestone", but also warned that vaccination levels have been running below recommended levels in recent years.

"We know the HPV vaccine is extremely effective at stopping cervical cancer before it starts, and for the first time these findings show it is saving lives," said Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency showed that that 76% of girls in England were vaccinated by age 15 in 2024-2025. This is far below the World Health Organization (WHO) level of 90%, which they say is needed to fully eliminate cancer risk.

"It's essential that the UK Government and health systems urgently address this with targeted action to reach communities where uptake is the lowest," Michelle explained.

Professor Peter Sasieni, the lead researcher at Queen Mary University of London, described the results of this study as just the "tip of the iceberg."

"It's incredible to think that a single jab can almost eliminate a particular type of cancer."

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

The team stressed that the new research has shown "just how vital" it is to keep vaccination levels high.