The HPV vaccine eliminates cervical cancer deaths in young women in England, a landmark study has found

“It’s incredible to think that a single dose can eliminate a certain type of cancer,” said Peter Sasini, lead researcher at Queen Mary University of London. L said BBC. He added that the reduction in deaths is only the beginning, and the benefits are expected to increase as the vaccinated generations age.

Overall, cervical cancer remains the 14th most common cancer in females in the UK, with 3,300 cases diagnosed each year. The disease is primarily caused by high-risk strains of human papillomavirus, a common virus transmitted through close skin contact. While most HPV infections heal naturally, persistent infection can lead to abnormal cell changes that develop into cancer years later.

Researchers estimate that around 200 lives have already been saved in England through the HPV vaccination programme. Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, described the results as an “amazing milestone” and the first direct evidence that the vaccine prevents deaths as well as cases of cancer.