A human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program in British Columbia has led to a significant reduction in rates of cervical precancers, according to a recent study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
A team of researchers found that British Columbia women who had received the HPV vaccine when they were in grade 6 had a 57% lower rate in the incidence of precancers than unvaccinated women.
"We are excited by these initial findings," senior research advisor Gina Ogilvie of the University of British Columbia said in a statement. "This study contributes to the growing body of evidence highlighting the positive impact of the HPV vaccine and regular cervical screening on preventing cervical cancer. And, with increased vaccine uptake, we would expect to see a further decrease in cervical cancer rates."
The British Columbia school-based HPV vaccination program began in 2008. The researchers shared their findings in an article published online August 23.
