A promising trend of cancer decline among young American women has been observed, attributed to increased HPV vaccination rates. This has led to a significant reduction in cervical cancer deaths, with a 60% drop between 2016 and 2021.
Key Findings
- The decline is attributed to increased rates of HPV vaccination, which was introduced in the U.S. in 2006.
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A dramatic reduction of over 60% in cervical cancer deaths was observed between 2016 and 2021.
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Cervical cancer deaths have dropped to about 0.007 deaths per 100,000 people by the 2019-2021 period.
Importance of HPV Vaccination
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HPV vaccination works by preventing high-risk HPV infections, the most common cause of cervical cancer.
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The disease is highly preventable thanks to vaccination and regular cervical screening.
Global Impact
- Unfortunately, because of health inequities, around 94% of deaths from cervical cancer occur in people living in low- and middle-income countries.
Future Outlook
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If vaccination rates continue to improve, we might observe a similar drop in mortality rates in the next 20 to 30 years.
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However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, HPV vaccination rates in the United States have stagnated.
- sciencenews.org | Cervical cancer deaths are plummeting among young U.S. women
- livescience.com | Cervical cancer deaths have plummeted among young women, US ...
