Exeter College alumna leads landmark reviews confirming HPV Vaccine prevents Cervical Cancer

Dr Jo Morrison (1989, Psychological Sciences) has led two landmark Cochrane reviews confirming the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer – a major milestone in global public health. 

Published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews last week, the studies drew on data from over 130 million people, 60 clinical trials and 225 population studies, making them the most comprehensive evaluations of HPV vaccine impact to date. The findings show that girls vaccinated before age 16 are 80% less likely to develop cervical cancer, with no evidence of serious side effects. 

Dr Morrison, a Consultant in Gynaecological Oncology at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Exeter, commented: “These reviews make it clear that HPV vaccination in early adolescence can prevent cancer and save lives. Vaccinating boys as well as girls boosts protection for everyone.” 

The first review, Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases: a network meta-analysis, synthesised evidence from 60 randomised controlled trials. It confirmed that all licensed HPV vaccines are effective in preventing the infections that can lead to cancer, particularly when given to adolescents aged 15–25, and that they are safe and well-tolerated. 

The second review, Effects of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes on community rates of HPV-related disease and harms from vaccination, examined real-world outcomes in over 132 million people. It found compelling evidence that national vaccination programmes have led to dramatic reductions in cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, and anogenital warts – especially when vaccination occurred before age 16. The impact on other HPV-related cancers (e.g., head and neck, anal, vulval and vaginal) will take longer to become apparent, as these cancers take further decades to develop. 

The reviews were supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Dr Morrison also highlighted the need for further research in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of cervical cancer is greatest. 

You can read the full Cochrane reviews here and here, or watch a short video summary on YouTube.