HPV vaccines reduce the need for cancer screenings, study shows

Women vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at an early age may require significantly less frequent cervical cancer screening, according to a new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. This was reported by Reuters.

A team of scientists from Norway analyzed various screening frequency strategies, evaluating their effectiveness, costs, and potential risks. The results indicate that for women vaccinated at a younger age, undergoing screening only two or three times in a lifetime may be sufficient, while maintaining effective disease prevention and reducing the number of unnecessary additional tests and procedures.

HPV is a group of over 200 viruses, some of which are sexually transmitted and linked to the development of cervical cancer. Almost all cases of the disease result from long-term infection with high-risk HPV types. The vaccine against the virus significantly reduces the risk of infection and subsequent cancer development.

Specialists note that reducing screening frequency may be particularly appropriate in countries with high vaccination coverage, where the prevalence of HPV is gradually declining. Less frequent testing would limit the risk of false-positive results, unnecessary diagnostic procedures, and additional burden on patients and healthcare systems.

At the same time, experts emphasize that recommendations must be carefully adapted to each woman’s individual risk, as certain groups—such as people with weakened immune systems or previous abnormal results—may require more frequent follow-up.

Currently, many countries recommend regular screening from age 25 to at least age 65, with the interval between tests varying depending on the test used. According to the study’s authors, as vaccination programs expand, future national recommendations may be gradually updated to reflect the decreasing risk of disease among vaccinated generations.