It’s understood that the HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer, with a decrease of 86% seen in women aged between 16 to 21.
The recent government reports states that vaccinations to defend against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 16 and 18 infections is working. These infections are known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases.
The information published over the summer in the Journal of Infectious Diseases is welcome news. The data suggest that the HPV vaccination programme will lead to significant reductions in cervical cancer cases arising in the future.
Major step forward as HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer
The fact that the HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer risks is a major step forward. This is just one of the many battles we still face against the horror of cancer, and any victory like this is a huge one.
With cervical cancer being the most common form of cancer affecting women under the age of 35, we could see hundreds now survive as a result of the vaccination.
Head of Immunisations art Public health England, Mary Ramsey, said:
“These results are very promising and mean that in years to come we can expect to see significant decreases in cervical cancer, which is currently one of the biggest causes of cancer in women under 35. This study also reminds us how important it is to keep vaccination rates high to reduce the spread of this preventable infection. I encourage all parents of girls aged 12 to 13 to make sure they take up the offer for this potentially life-saving vaccine.”
HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer for HPV31, HPV33 and HPV45 also
It is also thought that the HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer risks through cross-protection to unvaccinated women for HPV31, HPV33 and HPV45. None of those are included in the current vaccine, yet research results indicate that clear declines have taken place.
You can find out more about the research and the publications here.
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