Why No Young Woman Has Died from Cervical Cancer in the UK for Many Years

From 2020 to 2024, no women aged 20 to 24 in the UK succumbed to cervical cancer, marking the first instance of zero deaths in this age group. This milestone is attributed to the rollout of vaccines against the human papillomavirus (HPV).

“The findings are remarkable,” states Peter Sasieni from Queen Mary University of London. “It’s heartbreaking when young individuals die from cervical cancer. The rapid vaccine rollout symbolizes a triumph for vaccination, science, and public health.”

Numerous strains of HPV are sexually transmitted and can alter cells in ways that significantly increase cancer risk. Consequently, cervical cancer can arise in women as young as their 20s, and many continue to die from it worldwide.

Since the first HPV vaccine was introduced in 2006, adolescent girls in the UK have been vaccinated since 2008, with boys starting in 2019. This initiative not only protects against cervical cancer but also prevents other HPV-related cancers such as those of the mouth, throat, anus, and penis, mitigating the transmission of the virus.

This research serves as the first robust evidence indicating that the HPV vaccine not only substantially decreases HPV infections but also prevents fatalities related to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer incidence could potentially be decreasing faster than expected. Previous concerns suggested that the vaccine primarily prevented cancers detected early through screenings, but it appears to be effective for cancers that screening missed as well, according to Sasieni.

Fortunately, this is not the case. Sasieni and his colleague Milena Falcaro have been tracking cervical cancer rates in the UK, revealing zero deaths among women aged 20 to 24 from 2020 to 2024. Historical data suggested about 23 deaths were expected within this age group. “Never has there been a year with zero deaths, so five consecutive years is incredibly impressive,” Sasieni noted.

The substantial decrease in cases is likely due to the HPV vaccine, with approximately 90% of women aged 20 to 24 in the UK receiving the vaccine at 12 or 13. “This encouraging news demonstrates that the HPV vaccine is lifesaving,” stated Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination for the UK National Health Service (NHS). “We are excited to tell this generation: ‘Cervical cancer and several other cancers are no longer a risk for you.'”

While this particular study focused on cervical cancer, the vaccine offers protection against other HPV-related malignancies as well, significantly reducing the risk of warts in the skin, genitals, and anal region.

Sasieni and Falcaro also acknowledged some fatalities occurring in women aged 25 to 29, but the figures were notably lower than anticipated. They estimate that around 200 lives have already been saved, which is just the beginning. “The 200 lives estimated in the paper is merely the tip of the iceberg, as it appears to provide long-term protection,” Sasieni remarked. “In the future, nearly 18,000 deaths may be a rough estimate of those we’ve prevented so far.”

However, worldwide HPV vaccine coverage remains low, and the incidence of cervical cancer is increasing. Concerns arise as vaccination rates among teenagers in the UK have dropped post-COVID-19. “The alarming news is that vaccine uptake has declined significantly since the pandemic,” Sasieni warned.

“Together with cervical cancer screenings, HPV vaccinations are central to the NHS’s goal of eradicating cervical cancer by 2040,” says Temmink. “This is a safe and effective vaccine, and we urge all eligible individuals to take up the opportunity when invited.”