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Cancer research

Cervical Cancer Risk Soars in England as HPV Vaccination Rates Plummet

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cervical cancer rates in England's most deprived areas are already 65 per cent higher than in the least deprived, a stark inequality that health experts attribute to alarmingly low uptake rates for the preventative HPV vaccine. Analysis from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights the critical public health concern, revealing that insufficient vaccination among children is leaving many women vulnerable to the disease. The disparity is even more pronounced when considering the importance of the HPV vaccine, which protects against genital warts and head and neck cancers, in addition to cervical cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cervical cancer rates are 65 per cent higher in England's most deprived areas compared with the least deprived.
  • HPV vaccine coverage in girls was lowest in London (64.9%) and highest in the South East (82.7%) by Year 10.
  • Among boys, HPV vaccine coverage was also lowest in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%) by Year 10.
  • Local authority level vaccination levels in girls ranged from 38.7% (Lambeth in London) to 97.6% (Northumberland) by Year 10, while among boys, it ranged from 28.2% (Lambeth in London) to 92.2% (West Berkshire) by Year 10.
  • The HPV jab delivers a significantly stronger immune response if given before the age of 16, though getting it when older as part of a catch-up programme still creates a strong response.
  • Over a quarter of young people (many thousands) are missing out on this potentially life-saving vaccine.
  • Any young adult up to age 25 who missed their school jab can speak to their GP about catch-up options.
  • The NHS HPV vaccination programme has already helped save thousands of lives and aims to eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040.
  • Ensuring Year 10 girls in all areas are protected against cervical cancer is crucial in eliminating the disease by 2040.

Statistics:

  • Cervical cancer rates are 65 per cent higher in the most deprived areas of England.
  • HPV vaccine coverage in girls by Year 10: lowest in London (64.9%) and highest in the South East (82.7%).
  • HPV vaccine coverage in boys by Year 10: lowest in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%).
  • Local authority level vaccination levels in girls by Year 10: ranged from 38.7% (Lambeth in London) to 97.6% (Northumberland).
  • Local authority level vaccination levels in boys by Year 10: ranged from 28.2% (Lambeth in London) to 92.2% (West Berkshire).
  • Over a quarter of young people (many thousands) are missing out on the HPV vaccine.
  • The NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040.

Sources:

  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
  • Cancer Research
  • NHS England
  • Getty/iStock

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