England Records Zero Cervical Cancer Deaths Among Women Aged 20-24 After HPV Vaccination

A Lancet study by Queen Mary University of London reported no cervical cancer deaths among women aged 20-24 in England from 2020 to 2024. Without vaccination, 23 deaths would have occurred.

Cervical cancer deaths among young women in England fall to zero following HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine was introduced for girls in 2008 and for boys in 2019. Dosing occurs in Year 8 (age 11-12) with catch-up in Years 9-10. It targets HPV types that cause about 99 % of cervical cancers.

The Independent

Zero deaths in the 20-24 cohort represent an 80 % decline from 2015-2019. The study estimates 200 lives saved, with sources reporting “around 200” or “nearly 200.” Year 8 coverage fell to 71.7 % for girls and 67 % for boys in 2024-2025; London recorded 62.6 % and 57.7 %, below the WHO 90 % target.

Cervical Cancer Deaths in Young Women Fall to Absolute Zero Following HPV Vaccine Introduction

Vaccination at age 12-13 reduces the risk of cervical cancer death before age 30 to near zero and cuts risk for women aged 30-34 by 63 %. The NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. The government will roll out pharmacy-based catch-up programmes, distribute self-testing kits for screening, and launch campaigns to meet the WHO 90 % target.

The New Zealand Herald

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive highlighted the vaccine’s impact and urged action to raise uptake. The NHS Director of Vaccination called the results “incredibly exciting.” Department of Health and Social Care announced catch-up campaigns through community pharmacies and expanded screening access.

Cervical cancer deaths fall to zero in young women given vaccine in England

Experts warn that declining coverage could reverse mortality gains. Year 8 uptake of 71.7 % for girls and 67 % for boys is below the WHO benchmark, and London’s rates are the lowest. Modelling suggests 15-25 avoidable deaths each year if uptake does not improve, rising to 200 deaths annually.

Cervical Cancer Deaths in Young Women Fall to Absolute Zero Following HPV Vaccine Introduction

• “Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “We know the HPV vaccine is extremely effective at stopping cervical cancer before it starts and for the first time, these findings show it is saving lives – a powerful example of what’s possible when science is backed by strong public health programmes.” — Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive, Cancer Research UK

The Independent

• “ Professor Peter Sasieni, lead author from Queen Mary, said: “This is the first study to highlight the impact of HPV vaccination on cervical cancer mortality.” — Professor Peter Sasieni, Lead Author, Queen Mary University of London

The Independent

• “ A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are boosting vaccine uptake so that more young people benefit from this life-saving protection – including rolling out catchup HPV vaccination campaigns via community pharmacies, and making it easier to access cervical screening.” — Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson

Cervical cancer deaths fall to zero in young women given vaccine in England

• “We need urgent action – we are lagging behind on our plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2024 and at our current rate it will be 2050 before this is achieved.” — Helen Hyndman, Lead Nurse, The Eve Appeal

Cervical cancer deaths fall to zero in young women given vaccine in England