Human papilloma virus vaccination

Abstract

The incidence of cervical cancer has increased worldwide, with 604 000 new cases occurring in 2020 causing 342 000 deaths. It is now the fourth leading cause of cancer in low and middle-income countries. A significant number of these cancers are directly associated with human papilloma viruses (HPVs), with 50% of high-grade cervical cancers arising due to HPV Types 16 and 18. Whilst cervical screening programmes aim to detect and treat cancers earlier, the HPV vaccination programme in the UK is a cost-effective method in preventing cervical cancer and also other HPV-associated cancers such as anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of HPV, the cancers associated with it and the role of the current UK vaccination programme.