Full list of cancers one 'life-saving' vaccine could protect against as millions missing out
Millions of eligible teenagers are missing out on a vaccine that helps to ward off a number of different cancers, official figures show.
The leading gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, has warned of a dip in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which could help to protect against six deadly cancers.
According to the charity, there is a 'worrying lack of awareness' about the jab. Health bosses from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are therefore urging young people to get vaccinated against HPV and parents to sign the necessary consent forms.
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A survey released by charity has revealed 38 per cent of adults said they do not know who is eligible for the NHS HPV vaccination programme. Official figures from January show a drop in vaccine uptake, with the number of female year 8 students in England getting the HPV falling to 72.9 per cent in 2023/24, down from 86.9 per cent in 2017/18.
For boys the jab was only introduced in 2019. Uptake reached 71 per cent in 2020/21, but has since fallen to 67.7 per cent. Despite the small increase in uptake between 2023 and 2024, officials warn there is 'a long way to go'.
Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal chief executive, said: 'Girls in the UK have been offered the HPV vaccination since 2008 and vaccination started for boys in 2019 – but in 2025 we've got a long way to go to reach the target.
'We know that this is largely because of a huge information and understanding gap around how effective the vaccine is as a cancer prevention tool. And that's exactly what the HPV vaccine is – the best chance of stopping six different kinds of cancer before they get a chance to start. We want to make sure that every young person eligible and every parent or carer, has the information and confidence they need to take up the offer of HPV vaccination.'
According to the NHS, HPV refers to a very common group of viruses that, in some cases, can cause genital warts or cancer. The NHS says you can get HPV from any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex.
The HPV jab is given to high school pupils. It significantly reduces the risk of developing six different cancers, including cancers of the:
Cervix
Mouth
Anus
Penis
Vulva
Vagina
According to Cancer Research UK, 99.8 per cent of cervical cancer cases in the UK are caused by HPV infection. Some types of the virus are high-risk for cervical cancer, but others are low-risk.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "The science is clear: HPV vaccination is safe and effective. It's vital that access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening is improved to ensure more lives aren't lost to cervical cancer."
Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations at NHS England, added: "We're urging parents of boys and girls eligible for a vaccine to consent to their children getting their HPV vaccines from nurses when they visit schools, as it helps protect against a virus causing cancers including head and neck, and nearly all cases of cervical cancer."
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