Young people who received the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine at the age of 12 or 13 now face an almost non-existent risk of dying from cervical cancer before they turn 30, according to groundbreaking new research.

The study, the first to examine the vaccine’s impact on cervical cancer deaths, found mortality rates have dropped dramatically since the vaccination programme was introduced to schoolgirls in England in 2008. Researchers estimate that around 200 lives have already been saved as a result of the programme.

The findings revealed that no women aged between 20 and 24 died from cervical cancer in England during the period from 2020 to 2024. Researchers say this is the first five-year period on record in which no deaths occurred in that age group. Without vaccination, experts estimate around 23 deaths would have been expected.

Professor Peter Sasieni, who led the research at Queen Mary University of London, described the results as remarkable, saying it was extraordinary that a single vaccine could almost eradicate a specific type of cancer.

Although cervical cancer remains the 14th most common cancer affecting women in the UK, with around 3,300 new cases diagnosed annually, experts say the HPV vaccine is transforming outcomes. HPV is responsible for an estimated 99% of cervical cancer cases and is transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact. While most infections disappear without causing harm, some can trigger abnormal cell changes that may develop into cancer years later.

Researchers believe the full impact of the vaccination programme has yet to be seen. As younger vaccinated generations age, they expect cervical cancer deaths to fall even further.

Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, hailed the findings as a major breakthrough. The charity said the results provide the strongest evidence yet that the HPV vaccine is not only preventing cancer but also saving lives.

Michelle Mitchell, the organisation’s chief executive, said the research demonstrated the vaccine’s ability to stop cervical cancer before it develops and showed for the first time that this protection is translating directly into fewer deaths.

One woman who narrowly missed out on receiving the vaccine has spoken about her experience. Alexandra Legg was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021 at the age of 30 while preparing for her wedding.

She recalled the shock of hearing the diagnosis, saying it left her struggling to process what was happening. Treatment required surgeons to remove lymph nodes from her abdomen, although they were able to preserve part of her cervix, allowing the possibility of future pregnancy.

A year later she gave birth to her daughter, Ivy, whose middle name, Marvella, means “miracle”. Alexandra described her pregnancy as an anxious and uncertain period due to the risks involved, but said she felt fortunate to have become a mother after her diagnosis.

She believes her experience could have been very different had the vaccine been available to her and has become a strong supporter of the programme. She says her daughter will receive the vaccine as soon as she becomes eligible.

Professor Sasieni said the reduction in deaths observed so far was only the beginning of the vaccine’s impact. He expects far more lives to be saved in the coming decades as vaccinated populations grow older, stressing the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates.

The UK government has committed to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2040, but health experts warn that vaccination uptake remains below the level needed to achieve that goal.

Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency show that 76% of girls in England had received the vaccine by age 15 during the 2024-25 school year. The World Health Organization recommends a vaccination rate of 90% in order to eliminate cervical cancer.

Cancer Research UK has urged ministers and health services to take further action to increase uptake, particularly in communities where vaccination rates are lowest.

Health officials are also encouraging anyone who missed the vaccine when they were younger to come forward and receive it through catch-up programmes.

Despite the success of the HPV vaccine, women between the ages of 25 and 64 are still advised to attend regular cervical screening appointments, which remain an important tool in preventing and detecting the disease.

Since 2019, boys have also been offered the HPV vaccine. In addition to reducing transmission of the virus, it helps protect against several cancers that can affect men, including cancers of the throat, mouth, penis and anus.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the research highlighted the life-saving benefits of the vaccination programme. Officials said efforts are under way to increase uptake through community pharmacy catch-up schemes and other initiatives. Self-testing kits are also being distributed to women who have not attended cervical screening appointments, in an effort to improve participation and reduce future cancer cases.