HPV Vaccine Reduces Cervical Cancer Risk by 80% Among Young People Early Vaccination
A comprehensive French study published on Monday found that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer, particularly when administered at an early age.
The study, conducted by the Cochrane organization, indicated that vaccination against HPV can lower the likelihood of developing cervical cancer by up to 80% for individuals vaccinated at the age of 16 or younger. This reinforces previous scientific findings regarding the vaccine’s effectiveness.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus primarily responsible for several diseases, with cervical cancer being the most notable. Numerous countries have implemented national vaccination programs for adolescents, although they sometimes face resistance from certain anti-vaccine groups.
Cochrane recently published two literature reviews; the first relied on laboratory trials confirming the vaccine’s safety but could not assess its long-term impact on cancer. The second review encompassed over 200 studies following national vaccination campaigns, illustrating a significant preventive effect against cancer.
Researchers noted that the vaccine’s effectiveness is higher when administered early, as its impact decreases among older teenagers who may have been previously exposed to the virus. Studies also suggest that the vaccine may be effective against other types of cancers linked to the virus, though evidence is less clear due to their rarity.
Both reviews affirmed that the vaccine is safe, showing no increased risk of long-term side effects or effects on fertility.
