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Study: Vaccinating Boys Essential to Eradicate Cervical Cancer

12/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

A South Korea study uses a mathematical model to show that eradicating cervical cancer may require vaccinating boys against HPV in addition to girls.
Current vaccination targets about 80% of girls aged 12–17, but researchers say this coverage is insufficient.
The model projects that vaccinating about 65% of boys could reduce HPV-related cancers and with broader vaccination eliminate cervical cancer in 60–70 years and prevent about 350,000 global deaths annually.

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Story summary

A South Korea study uses a mathematical model to show that eradicating cervical cancer may require vaccinating boys against HPV in addition to girls.
Current vaccination targets about 80% of girls aged 12–17, but researchers say this coverage is insufficient.
The model projects that vaccinating about 65% of boys could reduce HPV-related cancers and with broader vaccination eliminate cervical cancer in 60–70 years and prevent about 350,000 global deaths annually.