HPV Vax Is Preventing Cervical Cancer Study Finds

Written By Lizzie Howard / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

HPV-related cancer is a disease that affects women far more often than men. Recently, there's been interest in how the HPV vaccine might reduce the risk of this cancer. So far, the evidence seems to be pretty conclusive. And, thanks to a group of Swedish researchers, it's gotten even more convincing. Here are the facts.

The Study Covered a Group of 1.7 Million Women

The Swedish study followed a group of women, aged 16 to 30, for several years. During their study, vaccinated women were far less likely to develop cervical cancer. The study ran for 11 years in total, from 2006 to 2017.

They regularly interviewed them and asked them for health updates. Compared to the unvaccinated, the study group showed markedly fewer incidences of cancer.

There Was a 90% Reduction in the Risk of Cervical Cancer

In fact, there was a 90 percent reduction in cervical cancer prevalence. Usually, cervical cancers begin to develop after someone has been infected by HPV. This virus tends to create lesions inside of the body.

As a result, cancers may begin to form around the cervix. Vaccinated women developed fewer lesions. And, they suffered from cancer a lot less, too.

Trials Also Show the Vaccine Is Effective Against Cancer-Causing Viruses

Most cervical cancers start developing after viral infections. HPV is the leading cause of them. The HPV vaccine has been shown to be an effective preventative for viral infections. However, until now, there hasn't been enough evidence to show a direct impact on cancer. Thanks to these researchers' work, we've got that evidence now, though.

Usually, HPV Can Cause the Development of Cancerous Lesions

Long-lasting lesions are a well-known result of HPV infections. The Swedish research team looked at health data collected by their country. They were able to find plenty of evidence showing the vaccine reduced rates of HPV infection. And, their research also determined that women developed fewer lesions, too.

An Australian research team was also able to show evidence for herd immunity. When enough of the population receives the HPV vaccine, even the unvaccinated benefit. Because fewer people get infected with HPV, less of the virus is in the population. Accordingly, unvaccinated people have less of a chance to encounter it.

Younger Women Seemed to Benefit the Most

Another major finding of the study was who benefits the most from vaccinations. It seems that the younger you are, the more powerful the effect.

The Swedish study looked at vaccines that protected against four strains of HPV. HPV types 16 and 18 cause up to 70 percent of cervical cancers. Fortunately, the vaccine studied protected against them. More than 80 percent of the studied population received vaccines before they turned 17. The remaining population got vaccinated later in life.

Only 19 Vaccinated Women Developed Cancer During the Study

Of the 1.7 million people studied, a little less than 600 of them developed cervical cancers. Still, most of the people who developed it were unvaccinated.

Only 19 vaccinated women got cervical cancer during the time studied. The remaining 500 cases were all among the unvaccinated population. After searching for confounding variables, age emerged as one of the most prominent. It looks like the older you are when you're vaccinated, the less effective it tends to be.

Local Health Clinics Urge Women to Study the Evidence

If you're worried about cervical cancer, health experts recommend getting the HPV vaccine. Most OBGYNs are willing to vaccinate young women at an affordable cost. Simply look up obgyn near me to find a practitioner in your area.

After receiving the vaccine, you're much less likely to develop cervical cancer. It's among the most effective preventatives ever developed according to the research.

How the HPV Vaccine Reduces Your Risk of Cancer

Cervical cancers have been with humanity for our entire history. However, modern medicine has given us tools to fight back. Simply getting the HPV vaccine could reduce your risk by up to 90 percent. So, if you're concerned about it, you should get vaccinated. It could save your life.

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Written By:
Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.