01/09/2025
Scientists say the HPV vaccine could eliminate cervical cancer entirely.
Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancers for women worldwide. But now, scientists are seeing something extraordinary: in countries with strong HPV vaccination programs, rates of cervical cancer are plummeting – by as much as 90%.
In the U.K., where the vaccine has been offered to teenagers since 2008, new data shows just how powerful it can be when given early – ideally around ages 12 or 13, before exposure to the virus. And the impact has been especially strong in the most vulnerable communities, where cervical cancer tends to hit hardest.
The HPV vaccine works by preventing infection from high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus – a common virus that spreads through sexual contact. Nearly all cervical cancer cases (about 99.7%) are linked to HPV. While most infections clear on their own, persistent cases can silently lead to cancer over time.
But this vaccine changes everything.
Gem Sofianos, from London, was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 27 – before the vaccine was widely available. She credits early screening with saving her life and wishes the vaccine had been available sooner. Her younger sister, who received it in school, is now protected.
Today, over 125 countries have introduced HPV vaccination programs, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The CDC in the U.S. recommends the vaccine for all children starting at age 11 or 12 – and catch-up shots are available into a person’s mid-20s.
This is a global breakthrough. Scientists say that if vaccination and regular screening continue to expand, cervical cancer could become virtually eliminated within a generation.
Learn more:
Roberts, Michelle. "HPV vaccine stops 90% of cervical cancer cases." BBC News, 16 May 2024.
📸Credit: Fischerova, D. et al./Gynecologic Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment
