Could We Be the First Generation to Eliminate Cervical Cancer?

A remarkable study published this month has delivered some of the strongest evidence yet for the impact of HPV vaccination.

Researchers found that girls who received the HPV vaccine at 12-13 years of age had an almost zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30. In England, no women aged 20-24 died from cervical cancer between 2020 and 2024 - a milestone that would have been almost unimaginable a generation ago.

As a gynaecologist, this is one of the most exciting developments in women's health that I have seen.

For the first time, we can realistically talk about a future where cervical cancer becomes incredibly rare - and perhaps even eliminated.

What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common virus.

In fact, most sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point during their lifetime.

There are many different strains of HPV. Most infections clear naturally without causing any problems. However, some high-risk strains can cause changes to cervical cells that may eventually lead to cervical cancer.

HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer worldwide.

It can also contribute to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat.

Why Is the HPV Vaccine Such a Big Deal?

Unlike many vaccines that prevent infectious illness, the HPV vaccine helps prevent cancer.

By protecting against the HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers, the vaccine interrupts the process long before cancer can develop.

The results have been extraordinary.

Large population studies have already shown dramatic reductions in cervical pre-cancer and cervical cancer among vaccinated women. Recent data now demonstrates what many researchers hoped would happen: the vaccine is not only preventing disease, it is saving lives.

Who Should Receive the HPV Vaccine?

In New Zealand, the HPV vaccine is funded for young people and is routinely offered through school-based vaccination programmes.

Vaccination is recommended before exposure to HPV, which is why it is offered during adolescence.

However, vaccination can still provide benefits for some adults who were not vaccinated when they were younger.

If you are unsure whether you have received the HPV vaccine, discuss this with your GP or healthcare provider.

If I've Had the Vaccine, Do I Still Need Cervical Screening?

Yes.

This is an important message.

The HPV vaccine provides excellent protection, but it does not protect against every HPV type that can cause cervical abnormalities.

Regular cervical screening remains essential.

The combination of HPV vaccination and cervical screening is what gives us the best opportunity to prevent cervical cancer. Experts believe that together, these strategies could reduce cervical cancer rates to extremely low levels.

What About Women Who Missed Out on Vaccination?

Many women currently in their 30s, 40s and older were beyond school age when the HPV vaccine programme was introduced.

If you were not vaccinated, cervical screening is still incredibly effective at detecting HPV and identifying abnormal cells before cancer develops.

This is one of the reasons the move to HPV-based cervical screening has been such an important advancement.

Are We Really Close to Eliminating Cervical Cancer?

For the first time, the answer may genuinely be yes.

The World Health Organization has launched a global strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem through vaccination, screening and treatment.

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers we know of.

With continued HPV vaccination, regular cervical screening and timely treatment of abnormal results, we have an opportunity to dramatically reduce the burden of this disease for future generations.

Final thoughts

The HPV vaccine is one of the greatest success stories in modern medicine.

What began as a vaccination programme is now translating into fewer abnormal smears, fewer cervical cancer diagnoses and, most importantly, fewer lives lost.

If you or your children are eligible for HPV vaccination, I strongly encourage you to take up the opportunity.

And regardless of vaccination status, don't forget the importance of regular cervical screening.

Together, these two simple interventions have the power to make cervical cancer a disease of the past.