Cervical Cancer is the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide (WHO, 2026). Approximately 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and an estimated 350,000 die from the disease yearly. 90% of all cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) (HSE, 2023). HPV refers to a group of viruses, both low-risk types which do not cause cancer and high-risk types that do. HPV primarily develops from close skin-to-skin and sexual contact.
The incidence rates of cervical cancer are higher in low-income countries, where cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in women. The increased prevalence of this cancer, in comparison to developed countries, is due to factors such as a lack of national HPV vaccination and screening programs and access to treatment (Reza et al, 2024). Women living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) are 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine was developed in the 1990s in Australia (Frazer, 2019). Then in 2006, it was introduced globally, targeting four major types of HPV (Markowitz & Schiller, 2021). A subsequent version of the vaccine was released in 2014 and this protects against further cancer-causing HPV types. The vaccine is given to young children of school age between 11-13 years (GAVI, 2025). This allows for protection before being exposed to the virus. It works by blocking the strains of HPV most likely to cause cancer, with the current vaccine blocking 9 strains of HPV (HSE, 2026). The WHO (2026) has deemed the vaccine as extremely safe and it has not been linked with any long-term health concerns (Marie Keating Foundation, 2026). The vaccine also protects against other types of cancers, such as head and neck, vulva, vagina, penile and anal cancers, that are caused by HPV. While limited at present, research investigating the benefits of the vaccine beyond cervical and anogenital cancer is being conducted (Seebauer et al., 2025).
The WHO has set a goal to globally eliminate cervical cancer by having less than 4 cases per 100,000 yearly (HSE, 2026). As cervical cancer is generally slow-growing and can take many years to develop, it is only now the full impact of the HPV vaccine is being seen. New emerging research is illustrating how the vaccine is not only preventing cervical cancer but also saving lives (Cancer Research UK, 2026).
These positive outcomes have been illustrated in a recent study published in The Lancet journal. The study investigated the trends in cervical cancer mortality following the introduction of the HPV vaccine in the UK (Sasieni & Falcaro, 2026). The study found that England's HPV vaccination programme was associated with a dramatic reduction in cervical cancer deaths. In the period 2020 – 2024, nodeaths were observed among women aged 20–24 years who had been vaccinated at ages 12–13, compared with approximately 23 expected deaths. In earlier birth cohorts, where vaccination had been offered up to the age of 18, significant reductions were also found in mortality rates. The findings support global efforts by the WHO to eliminate cervical cancer through widespread HPV vaccination.Despite this, some countries are lagging behind. This is due to challenges in accessing vaccines, limited supplies, and lack of investment from national governments. Popular misconceptions in relation to vaccination programs also lead to poorer uptake rates.
As oncology nurses, we play a fundamental role in supporting the elimination of cervical cancer. We do this by providing education on the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, challenging misinformation and advocating for early screening. Education is key. Despite the notable benefits of the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer can develop independent of HPV. While this type of cervical cancer is less common, it is vital to educate the public on the importance of having routine smear tests even if they have had the vaccine. Promoting awareness of the abnormal signs and symptoms related to cervical cancer is also important. These include vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex or post-menopause), changes in discharge, and pelvic and lower back pain (HSE, 2023). Cervical cancer elimination day is now scheduled globally for the 17th of November each year. We can all play our part by opening up the conversation on how cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, and with perseverance and dedication can be eliminated.
References
Cancer Research UK (2026). New data shows the HPV vaccine is saving lives from cervical cancer. Available at: https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/06/18/new-data-shows-the-hpv-vaccine-is-saving-lives-from-cervical-cancer/ (Date accessed 20/07/26).
Frazer, I. H. (2019). The HPV Vaccine Story. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 2(3), 210–212. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsptsci.9b00032
GAVI (2025) The HPV vaccine is erasing cancer – here's the proof. Available at: https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/hpv-vaccine-erasing-cancer-heres-proof (Date accessed 20/07/26).
HSE (2023) Cervical cancer causes. Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cervical-cancer/causes/ (Date accessed 19/07/26).
HSE (2026) HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/hpv-vaccine/ (Date accessed 20/07/26).
Marie Keating Foundation (2026) The HPV vaccine. Available at: https://mariekeating.ie/cancer-information/the-hpv-vaccine/
Markowitz, L. E., & Schiller, J. T. (2021). Human Papillomavirus Vaccines. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 224(12 Suppl 2), 367–S378. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiaa621
Reza, S., Anjum, R., Khandoker, R. Z., Khan, S. R., Islam, M. R., & Dewan, S. M. R. (2024). Public health concern-driven insights and response of low- and middle-income nations to the World health Organization call for cervical cancer risk eradication. Gynecologic Oncology Reports, 54, 101460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gore.2024.101460
Sasieni, P., & Falcaro, M. (2026). Cervical cancer mortality trends following HPV vaccination in England, 2001-24: an analysis of population-based mortality data. Lancet (London, England), 408(10550), 162–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00918-9