Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of research into cervical cancer since the late 1950s and has highlighted significant milestones in cervical cancer research over the past 70 years:
1958: Early cervical screening studies began, with researcher Erica Wachtel analyzing smear tests to predict cancer treatment responses.
1988: The NHS Cervical Screening Programme was launched, significantly reducing cervical cancer cases.
1993: Research showed vaccination could protect against the bovine equivalent of HPV, paving the way for human HPV vaccines.
1999: Studies confirmed nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, leading to the development of the HPV vaccination programme.
2002: Early human trials of an HPV vaccine showed promise in creating immunity.
2003-2006: Research indicated that HPV testing could improve cervical screening accuracy.
2008: The UK rolled out HPV vaccinations for girls aged 11-13.
2017: Data suggested vaccinated women might need fewer cervical screenings, optimizing NHS resources.
2019: The HPV vaccination programme was extended to boys.
2021: A study demonstrated that the HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer rates by almost 90% in vaccinated women.
2023: The INTERLACE trial showed that additional chemotherapy before standard treatment significantly reduced cervical cancer recurrence.
The progress in cervical cancer research has drastically improved prevention, screening, and treatment, aiming for the near elimination of cervical cancer as a public health issue.