Cervical cancer deaths in young women fall to zero for first time after vaccine introduced

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has already saved an estimated 200 lives from cervical cancer in England, with this figure projected to rise significantly as more people receive the jab, new data suggests.

Research spearheaded by Queen Mary University of London and funded by Cancer Research UK indicates the HPV vaccine is proving highly effective in eliminating cervical cancer nationwide.

The study estimates that children vaccinated at 12-13 years old face a near-zero risk of dying from the disease before turning 30.

Crucially, England recorded no cervical cancer deaths among women aged 20 to 24 between 2020 and 2024 – a historic first.

The study, published in The Lancet medical journal, also found that from 2015-19 there was an 80% reduction in cervical cancer deaths among women aged 20-24.

However, despite progress towards eliminating cervical cancer, experts are worried about falling vaccination rates.

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.

“Thanks to HPV vaccination and cervical screening, a future where almost nobody gets cervical cancer is now firmly in sight.

“But uptake of the vaccine has dropped in recent years, and this progress is at risk.

“It’s essential that the UK government and health systems urgently address this with targeted action to reach communities where uptake is the lowest.

“Beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone.“Every parent and guardian can support this by making sure children and young people get the HPV vaccine.

“It’s also important that people take up cervical screening when invited, even if they have had the HPV vaccine.”

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Source: The Independent, 18 June 2026