‘Every suggestion’ HPV vaccine will cut cervical cancers

There is “every suggestion” HPV vaccination will lead to a fall in cervical cancers, say scientists who carried out a major review of evidence.

Most cervical cancer cases are linked to the human papilloma virus and vaccination began over a decade ago.

The Lancet review of 65 studies covering 60 million people over eight years showed a fall in HPV cases and in pre-cancerous growths.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said the data should boost faith in the jab.

What is the human papilloma virus (HPV)?

HPV is the name for a common group of viruses; there are more than 100 types of HPV

Many women will be infected with HPV over the course of their lifetime, with no ill effect

Most cervical cancers are caused by infection from a high-risk HPV

Others cause conditions including genital warts and cancers of the head and neck

The vaccine, given to girls aged 12 and 13 since 2008, protects against four types of HPV – 16 and 18, which are linked more than 70% of cervical cancers – and six and 11, which cause about 90% of genital warts

There are 3,200 cases of cervical cancer and 850 deaths from the disease each year.

‘Real-world’ evidence

The review covered studies in 14 high-income countries, including the UK. They looked at HPV rates, plus cases of genital warts and pre-cancerous cells in the cervix called CIN.

It found that when rates were compared before vaccination started and eight years after: Read more

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‘Every suggestion’ HPV vaccine will cut cervical cancers

‘Every suggestion’ HPV vaccine will cut cervical cancers

‘Every suggestion’ HPV vaccine will cut cervical cancers

‘Every suggestion’ HPV vaccine will cut cervical cancers

‘Every suggestion’ HPV vaccine will cut cervical cancers

‘Every suggestion’ HPV vaccine will cut cervical cancers