HPV vaccine slashes cervical cancer deaths to near zero in young women

Cervical cancer remains a major global health issue, ranking as the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in women. However, widespread HPV vaccination has shown clear benefits in reducing cases and saving lives. The World Health Organization has set a target to vaccinate 90% of girls against HPV by age 15 by 2030. In Canada, the three-dose vaccine costs around $215 per cycle. Without immunisation, roughly 75% of sexually active Canadians will contract HPV at some point.

The vaccine’s impact is already visible. In England, about 200 lives have been saved since its introduction in 2008. Between 2020 and 2024, no cervical cancer deaths were recorded among vaccinated women aged 20-24. Women vaccinated in their early teens now face a near-zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before 30.

The protection extends beyond cervical cancer. The vaccine also guards against cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and back of the throat. In the UK, boys aged 12-13 have received the vaccine since September 2019. For older women, the benefits remain strong: those aged 30-34 show a 63% lower risk of dying from cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has already prevented deaths and reduced risks across age groups. Its broader protection against multiple cancers adds to its importance. These results highlight the value of continued vaccination efforts worldwide.