Children vaccinated at the age of 12–13 against human papillomavirus (HPV) face almost no risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30, according to landmark new research.
The first study of its kind shows a sharp decline in deaths since the vaccine was introduced for school-age girls in 2008, with researchers estimating that around 200 lives have already been saved in England.
Between 2020 and 2024, no cervical cancer deaths were recorded among women aged 20 to 24, marking the first five-year period in which this has happened.
Researchers say that without vaccination, about 23 deaths would have been expected.
“It’s incredible to think that a single jab can almost eliminate a particular type of cancer,” said Prof Peter Sasieni, the lead researcher at Queen Mary University of London.
Cervical cancer remains the 14th most common cancer among females in the UK, with about 3,300 diagnoses annually.
HPV is believed to be responsible for around 99% of cases, with the virus spread through close skin-to-skin contact.
While most HPV infections clear naturally, some can trigger abnormal cell changes that may develop into cancer years later. Researchers expect cervical cancer deaths to keep falling as vaccinated cohorts age.
Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, called the findings an “incredible milestone” but warned that vaccination uptake in England is still below recommended levels.
“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,” said the organisation’s chief executive Michelle Mitchell.
A further drop in deaths is expected as more vaccinated people reach adulthood, with Prof Sasieni describing the current progress as only the “tip of the iceberg”.
“As vaccinated generations grow older, we’ll see many more lives saved from cervical cancer,” he adds.
“New research shows just how vital it is to keep HPV vaccination levels high so more people are protected.”
The UK government has set a target of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040.
However, current vaccination coverage remains below the threshold needed for elimination.
In England, 76% of girls were vaccinated by age 15 in 2024–25, short of the 90% target recommended by the World Health Organization.
“It’s essential that the UK Government and health systems urgently address this with targeted action to reach communities where uptake is the lowest,” says Michelle Mitchell at Cancer Research UK.
Despite vaccination progress, women aged 25 to 64 are still advised to attend regular cervical screening (previously known as smear tests).
Since 2019, boys have also been offered the HPV vaccine to protect against cancers of the throat, mouth, anus and penis, while also reducing transmission to girls.
The Department of Health and Social Care in England described the findings as evidence of the “extraordinary impact of the HPV vaccination”.
“We are boosting vaccine uptake so that more young people benefit from this life-saving protection – including rolling out catch-up HPV vaccination campaigns via community pharmacies,” said a spokesman.
HPV self-testing kits are also being distributed to women who have not yet participated in screening, according to the department.
Survivor accounts underline the human impact of the disease. Alexandra Legg, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021 at the age of 30 while preparing for her wedding, shared her experience.
“I remember hearing the words and I just couldn’t really breathe very well,” she says.
“I was so upset – everything went through my head, it was so hard.”
Her treatment involved removal of lymph nodes in her abdomen, though surgeons were able to preserve part of her cervix, giving her a chance of future pregnancy.
Her daughter, born a year later, carries the middle name Marvella, meaning “miracle”.
“Those nine months were so scary because I was at such risk of losing her at any point,” she says.
Reflecting on her experience, she encourages wider uptake of the vaccine.
“I’m a real advocate for this vaccine and when Ivy is old enough, she’ll be first in the queue,” she adds.
