Swati Deshmukh
December 2, 2024: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is significantly reducing cervical cancer deaths in the United States, finds a study.
Ashish Deshmukh, senior author and co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Hollings Cancer Center, said that a 62% decline in cervical cancer deaths over the last decade was observed, which they attribute largely to the impact of HPV vaccination. Deshmukh emphasized, âWe cannot think of any other reason that would have contributed to such a marked decline.â
Findings of the new study
The latest research tracked U.S. cervical cancer deaths among women under 25 from the early 1990s through 2021. The findings revealed that while approximately 50 to 60 women under this age group died from cervical cancer every three years throughout the 1990s, this number plummeted to just 13 deaths between 2019 and 2021. This significant reduction suggests that vaccination is effectively translating into real-world outcomes. Deshmukh pointed out that women who were 25 years old in 2021 would have been around 10 years old when the vaccine was introduced, making them part of the first cohort eligible for vaccination. This correlation underscores the importance of early immunization.
HPV and vaccination
HPV is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases. The HPV vaccine, first approved in the U.S. in 2006, includes products like Gardasil and Cervarix, which have transformed cervical cancer prevention strategies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for adolescents aged 11 to 12, ideally before they become sexually active.
Previous studies have indicated a positive trend in cervical cancer prevention linked to vaccination efforts. For instance, research published in 2018 noted a 29% decrease in cervical cancer incidence among females aged 15-24 from 2011 to 2014 compared to earlier years
Additionally, a study from England reported a 90% reduction in cervical cancer cases due to robust vaccination programs initiated in 2008.
Challenges ahead for HPV
Despite these promising results, challenges remain regarding vaccination rates. The CDC aims for an 80% vaccination rate, but current data indicates only about 60% of adolescents aged 13-15 have received the recommended doses. Deshmukh expressed concern about a decline in HPV vaccinations following the COVID-19 pandemic, warning that lower vaccination uptake could hinder progress against cervical cancer.
Studies have increasingly shown that HPV vaccination not only reduces cervical cancer rates but also lowers risks for other HPV-related cancers, including head and neck cancers.
A comprehensive approach involving both vaccination and regular screenings is essential for maximizing public health benefits. Globally, cervical cancer remains a significant health issue, with around 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths reported annually.
The WHO emphasizes that effective strategies like HPV vaccination can drastically reduce these figures if widely implemented.
The evidence from this new study reinforces the critical role of HPV vaccination in reducing cervical cancer mortality rates. Continued awareness and education about the benefits of the HPV vaccine are vital for sustaining progress against this preventable disease.
