HPV Vaccination Strongly Reduces Cervical Cancer Risk, New Cochrane Reviews Confirm

Two new Cochrane reviews report strong and consistent evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prevents cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions, particularly when administered before age 16. The findings, drawn from randomized clinical trials and large-scale observational data, reinforce global recommendations to vaccinate adolescents prior to exposure to HPV.

According to the reviews, girls vaccinated at or before age 16 were 80% less likely to develop cervical cancer than unvaccinated peers. Both reviews also found no evidence of serious safety concerns, with vaccines largely associated with minor, transient adverse effects.

Clinical Trial Evidence: Vaccines Prevent High-Risk HPV Infection and Precancer

The first review assessed 60 randomized controlled trials involving 157 414 participants. Investigators found that all licensed HPV vaccines effectively prevented high-risk HPV infections that can lead to cancer, reduced pre-cancerous changes of the cervix and other tissues in individuals aged 15 to 25 years, and lowered the number of participants requiring treatment for HPV-related disease.

Vaccines that included coverage for causative HPV types also significantly reduced anogenital warts. Short-term side effects, such as mild pain or swelling at the injection site, were common. Serious adverse events were rare and occurred at similar rates in vaccine and control groups.

“Clinical trials cannot yet give us the whole picture on cervical cancer, as HPV-related cancers can take many years to develop,” said co-lead author Hanna Bergman. “That being said, the evidence from these trials confirms that HPV vaccines are highly effective at preventing the infections that lead to cancer, without any sign of serious safety concerns.”

Global Observational Data: Clear Reductions in Cervical Cancer Incidence

The second review evaluated 225 studies representing more than 132 million people across multiple countries. Observational data demonstrated that HPV vaccination markedly reduced cervical cancer and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+ and CIN3+). Reductions were consistently greater when vaccination occurred at or before age 16.

The review team also found no evidence supporting claims that HPV vaccination increases the risk of serious adverse events. Alleged safety signals reported in public settings did not correspond with population-level follow-up data.

“We now have clear and consistent evidence from around the world that HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer,” said co-lead author Nicholas Henschke. “An important finding was that the commonly reported side effects of the vaccine, often discussed on social media, were found to hold no evidence of a real link to vaccination.”

Global Health Implications

Together, the reviews provide the most comprehensive synthesis to date of HPV vaccine effectiveness and safety. Findings support global recommendations to vaccinate girls and boys—ideally before age 16—to achieve optimal protection against HPV-related cancers.

“These reviews make it clear that HPV vaccination in early adolescence can prevent cancer and save lives,” senior author Jo Morrison, MD, said in a press release. “Vaccinating boys as well as girls boosts protection for everyone. Over time we’ll see the impact of vaccination on other cancers too, including ones that affect men.”

Remaining Evidence Gaps

Most existing studies were conducted in high-income countries. Authors noted that additional evidence is needed in low- and middle-income regions, where cervical cancer burden is highest and screening programs are limited.

They emphasized that sustained vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and timely treatment of precancerous lesions remain essential to achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer globally.

Long-term data will continue to clarify the impact of HPV vaccination on cancers that typically occur later in life, including vulvar, peri-anal, penile, and certain head and neck cancers.

Source: New research confirms HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer. News release. Cochrane. November 23, 2025. Accessed November 24, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1106620