Scientific researchers in the United Kingdom have stated that rates of cervical cancer in the country have fallen by 90% since the introduction of a vaccine 13 years ago.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and since 2008 an HPV vaccine has been given to girls of high-school age. HPV is usually spread through sexual intercourse and was previously endemic, meaning that almost everyone in the population was exposed to it at one time or another.
Professor Peter Sasieni, lead author from King's College London, said of the findings:
"It's been incredible to see the impact of HPV vaccination, and now we can prove it prevented hundreds of women from developing cancer in England. We've known for many years that HPV vaccination is very effective in preventing particular strains of the virus, but to see the real-life impact of the vaccine has been truly rewarding."
"Assuming most people continue to get the HPV vaccine and go for screening, cervical cancer will become a rare disease. This year we have already seen the power of vaccines in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. These data show that vaccination works in preventing some cancers."
Michelle Mitchell of charity cancer research UK also praised the findings, saying:
"It's a historic moment to see the first study showing that the HPV vaccine has and will continue to protect thousands of women from developing cervical cancer. Cancer Research UK has been funding research in this area for many years and we've been eagerly awaiting these results since the introduction of the vaccination programme. Around 850 women die from cervical cancer each year in the UK, so we have the chance to save many lives."
Since 2019 boys in the UK have also been offered the HPV vaccine in order to stop the spread of HPV through sexual intercourse and to prevent them being put at risk of certain cancers. HPV can also attack the throat and other areas of the body meaning that both men and women are in danger of developing cancer from HPV infection.
Researchers have also said that despite the large cut in the danger of HPV-induced cancer, it is still essential that all women still attend their regular cervical screening tests in order to catch unusual or dangerous developments within the organ.
[Based on reporting by: Cancer Research UK]
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