HPV Vaccine Achieves Historic Milestone in England
For the first time in recorded history, no woman aged between 20 and 24 died from cervical cancer in England during the five-year period from 2020 to 2024. Researchers have attributed this remarkable achievement to the widespread use of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls.
The findings were published in The Lancet in June 2026 and are being hailed as one of the strongest pieces of evidence yet demonstrating the life-saving benefits of the HPV vaccine.
Lancet Study Shows HPV Vaccine Cut Cervical Cancer Deaths by 100%
The study, conducted by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, analysed cervical cancer mortality data in England between 2001 and 2024.
According to the research, cervical cancer mortality among women aged 20-24 fell by 100% between 2020 and 2024 compared to historical rates. Researchers estimated that around 23 young women would have been expected to die from the disease during this period if the HPV vaccine programme had not been implemented.
High HPV Vaccine Coverage Key to Success
The study found that approximately 88-90% of girls in the affected age group received the HPV vaccine at the age of 12-13 through England’s school-based vaccination programme.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases. The HPV vaccine protects against the virus and significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.
Researchers Credit HPV Vaccine for Saving Lives
Lead researcher Professor Peter Sasieni said the findings represent a major public health success.
“It is amazing news that no women aged between 20 and 24 died from cervical cancer in the whole of England between 2020 and 2024. That remarkable fact is thanks to nearly 90% of Gen Z women having received the HPV vaccine.”
Researchers estimate that the HPV vaccine has already prevented nearly 200 cervical cancer deaths among young women in England since its introduction.
HPV Vaccine Not Just for Girls — Boys Should Get It Too, Say Experts
HPV Vaccine Also Reduced Deaths in Older Age Groups
The study found significant reductions in cervical cancer mortality across other age groups as well.
- 80% reduction in deaths among women aged 20-24 during 2015-2019.
- 69% reduction in deaths among women aged 25-29 during 2020-2024.
These findings suggest that the benefits of HPV vaccination continue to increase as vaccinated generations grow older.
HPV Vaccine Could Accelerate Cervical Cancer Elimination
The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem and has set a target of vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15 by 2030.
Experts believe the success of the HPV vaccine programme in England could help countries achieve cervical cancer elimination much earlier than anticipated.
Why the HPV Vaccine Matters
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix and is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains. Since HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, vaccination before exposure provides the strongest protection.
Health experts continue to encourage HPV vaccination, regular cervical screening, and awareness programmes as the most effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer and save lives worldwide.
