Pediatrician Richard K. Ohnmacht prepares a shot of the HPV vaccine Gardasil for a patient at his … [+]
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that young women in the U.S. are less likely to have cervical precancer cells compared to women from previous generations, thanks to the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
HPV, a common virus, can lead to cell changes that may result in cervical cancer. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to HPV infection.
The U.S. has been recommending HPV shots for preteen girls since 2006 to prevent cervical cancer, and the impact is evident. CDC researchers found an 80% decrease in precancerous cell cases among women aged 20 to 24 who had cervical screenings between 2008 and 2022.
While the study didn’t directly correlate vaccination status with screening results, the fact that these women were likely vaccinated supports the vaccine’s role in the decline of precancerous cells.
The report authors stated, “These data are consistent with considerable impact of HPV vaccination for preventing cervical precancers among women in the age groups most likely to have been vaccinated.”
Cancer researchers, including Jane Montealegre from the MD Anderson Cancer Center, have commended the results, attributing the reduction in precancerous cell cases to the increased use of HPV vaccines.
HPV, or Human papillomavirus, is a virus transmitted through sexual activity that affects the skin. It’s highly prevalent, with an estimated 40% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 59 having some form of HPV in 2018.
There are over 100 types of HPV, many of which are asymptomatic and clear up on their own. However, some types can lead to health issues such as genital warts and certain cancers, including cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine, known as Gardasil, trains the immune system to recognize and combat high-risk strains of the virus. It is recommended for all children aged 11 or 12, with catch-up doses available for individuals up to 26 years old.
Studies have shown the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in reducing cases of precancerous cells and cervical cancer. Countries with vaccination programs have reported significant declines in HPV infections and cervical cancer cases.
The HPV vaccine plays a crucial role in the global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. Some countries aim to eradicate the disease entirely within the next few decades through vaccination and screening programs.
