Full Vaccination, Zero Cervical Cancer: The Remarkable Success of the HPV Vaccine

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Almost all cases are caused by a sexually transmitted infection: human papillomavirus (HPV). A new study found no cases of cervical cancer among young women fully vaccinated through the HPV vaccination program. This finding demonstrates the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing this serious disease and highlights the importance of vaccination.

No Cervical Cancer Seen Among HPV-Vaccinated Women in Scotland

A new study found no cases of cervical cancer among young women who had been fully vaccinated as part of the HPV vaccination program.

Research by Public Health Scotland (PHS) described the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine as "highly effective" at preventing cancer from developing.

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection responsible for almost all cervical cancer cases among women worldwide.

The vaccination program began in 2008, offering the vaccine to girls aged 12 or 13 in their first year of secondary school.

The vaccine, now also offered to boys, helps protect them against other HPV-related cancers later in life. These include head and neck and anogenital cancers, as well as genital warts.

What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

• HPV is the name for a common group of viruses; there are more than 100 HPV types.
• Many women may acquire HPV during their lifetime without experiencing any harmful effects.
• Most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own. In some cases, however, persistent infection may cause disease in the cervix.
• Some HPV types are high-risk because they are linked to the development of certain cancers.
• Almost all cervical cancers (99.7%) are caused by high-risk HPV infection.
• Many HPV types affect the mouth, throat or genital area. They spread easily, and HPV can be acquired through sexual contact.

It Is Possible to Make Cervical Cancer a Rare Disease

• In Scotland, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women aged 25 to 35.
• About 300 women in Scotland are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.
• However, cervical cancer screening is offered to all women aged 25 to 64.

Public Health Scotland carried out the study with the Universities of Strathclyde and Edinburgh, including every woman in Scotland eligible for the cervical screening program in its figures.

The study appeared in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute as a published report.

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, with no cervical cancer cases identified to date among fully vaccinated women who received their first dose at ages 12-13.

Vaccination against HPV has been shown to prevent cervical cancer. Together with regular screening, early diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease.

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Types of HPV Vaccines

The main HPV vaccines used worldwide are:

1. Gardasil/Silgard: The quadrivalent Gardasil vaccine protects against the most common four HPV types (6, 11, 16 and 18). These types are responsible for most cervical cancers and genital warts. Gardasil 9 is an expanded version protecting against more HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58).
2. Cervarix: This vaccine specifically protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which account for a large proportion of cervical cancers worldwide.

Vaccines are generally recommended for young boys and girls because they are considered most effective before sexual activity begins. Older individuals can also be vaccinated.

Vaccination Programs

HPV vaccines form part of national immunization programs in many countries. These programs generally have the following features:

• Target Group: Most programs target children of secondary-school age, usually 11-12 years. In some countries, the age range may be broader.
• Number of Doses: The vaccine is usually given in two or three doses. The second dose is generally given a few months after the first. If vaccination starts after age 15, three doses are usually recommended.
• Vaccination for Boys and Girls: Initially aimed only at girls, HPV vaccination programs have expanded to include boys as awareness has grown of the other cancers caused by HPV.
• Access and Awareness: The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations are working to expand HPV vaccination and improve access through education campaigns and public health initiatives.

HPV vaccines are very important because they help prevent other cancers and genital warts as well as cervical cancer. Widespread vaccination plays a major role in preventing these cancers.