Researchers say one childhood vaccine is preventing hundreds of cancer deaths

The HPV vaccine is preventing hundreds of cancer deaths, with new research published in The Lancet indicating that young women vaccinated in their early teens have a near-zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before age 30. While the vaccine was previously understood to prevent about 90% of cervical cancer cases, this study is the first to quantify its impact on mortality rates, demonstrating its significant life-saving potential. Cancer Research UK funded the study, which suggests that approximately 200 cervical cancer deaths have been averted in England to date, with substantially higher numbers globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various cancers over time. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate cervical cancer by having 90% of girls vaccinated by age 15, a target that could prevent an estimated 62 million deaths by 2120 if achieved. Researchers highlighted these findings as evidence that the WHO's goals are attainable and urged increased efforts to boost vaccination rates worldwide. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with an estimated 660,000 new cases annually and 350,000 deaths in 2022, predominantly in low and middle-income countries. Lead researcher Professor Peter Sasieni stated that as vaccinated cohorts age, the number of lives saved from cervical cancer will continue to rise.