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HPV vaccine 'zeroed out' cancer deaths in 20-24 age group, new study finds
🇬🇷 Greece /Health & Science

HPV vaccine 'zeroed out' cancer deaths in 20-24 age group, new study finds

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A new study from England shows zero deaths from cervical cancer among women aged 20-24 between 2020-2024, a group that received the HPV vaccine.
  • Researchers estimate that around 200 deaths from cervical cancer have already been prevented in England since the vaccination program began.
  • Pediatricians emphasize that HPV vaccination protects both boys and girls from various cancers, including those of the oropharynx and anus, and is most effective when given at a young age.

A groundbreaking study from England has revealed a remarkable achievement: zero deaths from cervical cancer among women aged 20-24 during the period of 2020-2024. This age group represents some of the first cohorts to receive systematic HPV vaccination during their school years, offering a powerful testament to the vaccine's efficacy.

The HPV vaccination is a vaccination against cancer. It concerns girls and boys, protects their future health and can save lives.

— Pediatricians in GreeceThe message pediatricians are communicating following new study data.

The findings, published in The Lancet, have led researchers to estimate that approximately 200 deaths from cervical cancer have already been averted in England since the vaccination program's inception. Experts hail this as a significant milestone in preventive medicine, demonstrating that a cancer which historically caused severe morbidity, painful treatments, fertility loss, and premature deaths can now be largely prevented.

This shows that a cancer that for decades caused severe morbidity, painful treatments, loss of fertility and premature deaths can, to a very large extent, be prevented.

— ExpertsCommenting on the significance of the study's findings.

Pediatricians in Greece are amplifying the message that HPV vaccination is essentially cancer vaccination. They stress its importance for both girls and boys, safeguarding their future health and potentially saving lives. The HPV virus is extremely common, with most infections clearing without issue. However, persistent infections from certain oncogenic types can lead to cancer years later. Vaccination is most effective before potential exposure, hence the recommendation for children and early adolescents.

Boys are not vaccinated simply to limit the transmission of the virus or to protect their future partners. They are vaccinated primarily to protect themselves.

— Pediatricians of the UnionExplaining the importance of HPV vaccination for boys.

Crucially, the vaccination is not solely for girls. Boys are encouraged to get vaccinated not just to curb virus transmission or protect future partners, but primarily for their own health. The HPV virus is linked to cancers of the oropharynx, anus, and penis in men, as well as genital warts. The Greek National Vaccination Program recommends HPV vaccination for both boys and girls aged 9-11, with catch-up vaccinations available until age 18. This early timing ensures robust immune protection well before any potential exposure to the virus.

The choice of young age for vaccination is not related to the child's sexual activity. The goal is to have developed strong immunological protection several years before any potential exposure to the virus.

— ScientistsClarifying the rationale behind early HPV vaccination.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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