The first real-world data from the Cancer Research UK showed that cervical cancer cases decreased among British women who received the vaccination against the human papillomavirus infection (HPV). The HPV vaccine program against cervical cancer started in England in 2008, which showed a substantial reduction in cases.
How does the HPV vaccine work? (Photo: Noman)
Cervical Cancer Caused by Viruses
BBC News reported that nearly all cervical cancers are caused by viruses. Due to that, researchers thought of using vaccination to eliminate the deadly disease.
Cervical cancer kills more than 300,000 women each year, making it the fourth most common cancer in the world. Unfortunately, cervical cancer screening is mostly unavailable to many women of which 9 out of 10 live in low and middle-income countries. Delayed screening means lower outcomes that may lead to death.
Through the vaccination program, scientists hope to improve the situation in these countries than wealthier nations, such as the UK. As of now, over 100 countries are already using the vaccine as part of the plans of the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Rates Dropped in the US and the UK
