A new study led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and funded by Cancer Research UK has revealed the life-saving impact of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine on cervical cancer deaths in England. Published in The Lancet, the research provides the strongest evidence to date that the HPV vaccination programme is not only preventing cervical cancer but also saving lives.

The study found that young women who received the HPV vaccine at ages 12–13 now have a near-zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30. Researchers estimate that the vaccination programme, introduced in 2008 for girls and later expanded to boys, has already prevented around 200 cervical cancer deaths in England.

One of the most striking findings was that between 2020 and 2024, there were no recorded cervical cancer deaths among women aged 20–24 in England. This is the first time this has happened over a five-year period.

Researchers emphasise that these results demonstrate the power of vaccination and public health programmes in preventing cancer. However, they also warn that maintaining high vaccination rates is essential, as declining uptake could slow progress toward eliminating cervical cancer. Continued participation in cervical screening programmes remains important, even for vaccinated individuals. The findings offer hope that cervical cancer could one day become a rare disease, provided vaccination and screening efforts continue.

1. What impact has the HPV vaccine had on cervical cancer deaths in England?

2. What significant milestone was recorded between 2020 and 2024?

3. Why do researchers stress the importance of maintaining high HPV vaccination rates?