Health experts have issued a warning that young people in London are at an “increased risk” of cervical cancer, according to the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The data reveals a worrying trend of “inequalities” in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine across different regions.
This jab crucial in preventing not only cervical cancer but also other forms such as anal, penile, and head and neck cancers. It is offered to children aged 12 to 13, but has seen a decline in coverage since before the Covid pandemic, sparking concerns from the UKHSA.
Research indicates that receiving the HPV vaccine before the age of 16 results in significantly stronger immune responses and better protection against HPV-related cancers.
Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasised the importance of the vaccine: “The HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, is one of the most powerful tools we have for cancer prevention. Every vaccination represents a young person with better protection against the devastating impact of HPV-related cancers and we must do more to ensure that no teenage girl or boy, young woman or man is denied that protection no matter where they live.
“Although we have seen some increase in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-Covid pandemic levels. Over a quarter of young people, many thousands, are missing out on this potentially life-saving vaccine, which protects not only against cervical cancer but all young adults, men and women, against genital warts and some genital cancers, as well as mouth and throat cancers.
“We’re calling on all parents to return their children’s HPV vaccination consent forms promptly. This simple action could protect your child from developing cancer in the future.”
The latest figures for the HPV vaccine uptake, spanning 2023 to 2024, highlight Lambeth in south London as having the lowest rate of immunisation:
- In London, the HPV coverage for female year 10 students was the lowest at 64.9 per cent, while the South East boasted the highest at 82.7 per cent
- For male year 10 students, London again had the lowest HPV coverage at 58.9 per cent, with the South East leading at 77.3 per cent
- At the local authority level, HPV coverage for female year 10 students varied from just 38.7 per cent in Lambeth to an impressive 97.6 per cent in Northumberland
- Similarly, HPV coverage for male year 10 students ranged from a mere 28.2 per cent in Lambeth to 92.2 per cent in West Berkshire
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, commented: “The NHS HPV vaccination programme has already helped save thousands of lives and we need to go further to boost uptake of HPV vaccines and cervical screening to help eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040.
“If we can ensure that almost every Year 10 girl in some areas is protected and extremely unlikely to ever develop cervical cancer, we need to match this in every part of the country. It’s vital for boys and young men to be vaccinated too. Rates in boys still lag behind girls and HPV causes thousands of cancers in men as well as things like genital warts.
“I would urge all parents to give their consent for their child to be vaccinated and it’s important to remember that those that remain unvaccinated and have left school can still get vital protection by contacting their GP practice to catch up before their 25th birthday. With vaccination being just one dose, it is easier than ever to ensure young people get protection.”
How to get vaccinated
For those who missed their school HPV vaccinations in year 8 and 9, catch-up options remain available and are highly effective. Anyone who missed their HPV vaccination, now just a single jab, can still receive it for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery; this also applies to boys born after September 1, 2006.
HPV vaccinations are also offered to boys in school in year 8 and 9, and similarly help protect them against HPV infection and its complications, including genital warts, head and neck cancers (which includes mouth and throat) and genital cancers. But boys also have an important role to play in helping eliminate cervical cancer by being vaccinated and not passing on the HPV virus when they become sexually active.
For young adults up to age 25, who missed their school vaccinations, please speak to your GP about catch-up options. It’s never too late to get protected.
And it’s important to stress that even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, it’s vital you still attend your cervical screening appointments when invited. Both vaccination and screening together give you your best chance of protection against cervical cancer.
While the HPV vaccine provides excellent protection, attending cervical screening appointments remains crucial, regardless of vaccination status. Screening can detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer, allowing for early treatment and prevention.
