As new research findings reveal the success of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, the Scottish government has launched work to explore how to eliminate it entirely.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has collaborated with researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde to assess the effectiveness of the vaccine.

The ‘exciting new study’ shows no cancer cases among women who were fully vaccinated at age 12 or 13 since the immunisation programme for human papillomavirus (HPV) began in 2008.

Around 15 years since Scotland introduced routine HPV vaccination, the study published today in the National Cancer Institute Journal concludes that it is ‘highly effective’ in preventing the development of cervical cancer.

Dr Kirsty Roy, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS, and co-author of this study, said this study demonstrates the impact the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer:  

“Vaccination against HPV is shown to be effective in preventing cervical cancer, and along with regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease.” 

The Scottish government has today announced it will establish an Expert Group to explore how Scotland will work toward full elimination of cervical cancer.

Global challenge, national solutions

As cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, public health efforts to progress research and treatment options are ongoing across the world.

A common virus, HPV is usually spreads through sexual contact, and its high-risk form (HR-HPV) is responsible for more than 99% of cervical cancers – with Scottish researchers advancing less invasive therapy options.

Now, this study reveals the power of prevention when it comes to cervical cancer with routine immunisations delivered in the first year of secondary school across Scotland protecting men and women.

In 2017, Scotland extended the rollout of the HPV vaccine to boys in school as it helps protect against multiple HPV-related cancers including head, neck and anogenital cancers and genital warts.

Scotland’s Minister for Public and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: 

“The HPV vaccine programme is having a huge impact on preventing these cancers for those who have been vaccinated.  
 
“Vaccination and screening remain the most effective ways of preventing and detecting cervical cancer and I would encourage those eligible to come forward to have the vaccine or attend screening appointments.”  

Yet, Healthcare Improvement Scotland called for ‘significant changes’ to improve women’s cervical cancer risk last year to address weaknesses in Scotland’s screening services.

Ms Minto told parliament that while Scotland has already seen success in tackling cervical cancer, the government aims to progress this further:

“Since the HPV vaccination programme was introduced in 2008, cervical cancer incidence rates in Scotland have reduced by 90%

“Today, we are making a commitment to reach and maintain an incidence rate of below four women per every 100,000 in line with the target set by the World Health Organisation.”

She said the Expert Group will include policy officials, clinicians, third sector organisations and Public Health Scotland and their work will span from addressing inequalities in cervical cancer to eliminating it completely.

Dr Roy explained that by coupling effective screening services with vaccinations against HPV, cervical cancer could become a ‘rare disease’ in Scotland.

Dr Tasmin Sommerfield, Clinical Advisor for Screening at National Screening Oversight (NSO), added: 
 
“While the HPV vaccine protects against a lot of the different types of HPV virus that cause cancer, it can’t protect against them all and it’s still important that you go for regular cervical screening.

“Screening can find changes in the cells in your cervix even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms. If these are found at an early stage, they are much easier to treat.  

“Cervical screening is the best way of finding out if you are at risk of cervical cancer and I would urge everyone to take up their offer of an appointment.” 

This year’s HPV immunisation programme is already underway, with consent forms having been sent home from schools across most of Scotland. 

As Cervical Cancer Prevention Week begins, parents are being encouraged to discuss the HPV vaccine with their children.

Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection, PHS said:  

“By continuing to vaccinate against HPV-related cancers, and encouraging uptake of screening, we hope to see them eliminated in the future.

“I would encourage all S1 pupils in Scotland to take up the offer of the free HPV vaccine in the coming months to protect themselves against future risks.” 

“PHS is working closely with Scottish government and local health boards to ensure the continued uptake of the key cervical cancer prevention measures – the HPV vaccine and routine screening.” 

Read more: ‘Weaknesses' found in Scotland's cervical screening; Microwaves offer less invasive cervical cancer therapy; Pandemic impact on cancer incidence in Scotland; All cancer patients to access extra support by 2024; Biomarkers can improve melanoma patient care

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