Since 2009, the HPV vaccine has been part of the childhood vaccination program. Along with screenings, it has led to far fewer cases of cervical cancer, a new study shows. (Archive photo). Photo: Stefan Puchner/Ritzau Scanpix
HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer rates
Cervical cancer incidence among women under 30 in Denmark has dropped dramatically after the introduction of the HPV vaccine, meeting the WHO goal for elimination by 2100, reports Dagens Medicin. Professor Emerita Elsebeth Lynge from the University of Copenhagen led a study published in International Journal of Cancer, highlighting the positive trend over the past decade. Overall, current cancer rates are 10 per 100,000 women, a decrease from 14 per 100,000. The HPV vaccine, added to the childhood vaccination program in 2009, also prevents other cancers. The 2023 update indicates an 89% first-dose vaccination rate for girls and 87% for boys, falling short of the 90% target.