For decades, the words "cervical cancer" have struck fear in the hearts of women and their families, but a wave of new research and public health initiatives is giving hope that this disease could become increasingly rare—at least in places like Scotland, where prevention and screening are working hand in hand. Yet, as some celebrate remarkable progress, others are demanding accountability after failures in screening programs elsewhere have left women searching for answers and justice.
A landmark study released by Public Health Scotland, in collaboration with the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde, has confirmed what many in the medical community have long hoped: the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is "highly effective" in preventing both cervical pre-cancer and cancer. According to the study, the vaccine remains protective for more than 12 years after it’s given, especially in women who participate in regular cervical screening. "Vaccination against HPV is effective in preventing cervical cancer and, along with regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease," said Dr. Kirsty Roy, a consultant in public health for Public Health Scotland, as reported by STV News.
The HPV vaccine, rolled out in Scotland’s schools in 2008, is now routinely offered to all S1 pupils—both girls and boys—helping to protect against not just cervical cancer, but also genital warts and other HPV-related cancers that may develop later in life. The greatest benefits are seen in those vaccinated at ages 12 or 13, a finding that underscores the importance of starting protection early. Notably, the study found that women from Scotland’s most deprived areas benefited the most from vaccination, helping to narrow longstanding health inequalities.
Dr. Tim Palmer, Scottish clinical lead for cervical screening at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the critical need for continued high uptake of the vaccine in schools, as its effectiveness drops when administered at older ages. "This study shows conclusively that the HPV vaccine prevents the changes that can develop into cancer," he said. Still, he cautioned that "screening is still important to prevent disease caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine."
HPV is a common virus, typically spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, and it’s responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer—the fourth-most common cancer in women worldwide. According to Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Edward Cachay, about 80% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives, often without ever knowing it. While most infections clear up on their own, some persist and can cause cancers—including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers—sometimes decades after the initial infection.
Dr. Cachay and his colleagues at Mayo Clinic Arizona are on a mission to destigmatize these preventable diseases. "We need to get our kids and grandkids vaccinated before they start their intimate lives," he told Phoenix Magazine. He stressed that the FDA-approved HPV vaccine is "extremely safe and has been rigorously tested in millions of people worldwide." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination at ages 11 or 12, though it can start as early as 9, and is available to young adults through age 26. Younger people respond better to the vaccine, making early administration crucial.
Screening remains another essential pillar of prevention. For women ages 21 to 65, guidelines recommend a Pap test every three years, or every five years for women ages 30 to 65 who also get an HPV DNA test. According to Dr. Cachay, these screenings can reduce cervical cancer rates by 57%. Yet, despite the clear benefits, screening for anal and oropharyngeal cancers—also caused by HPV—remains less common. Mayo Clinic has responded by creating Arizona’s first multidisciplinary anal screening and prevention program, hoping to expand early detection for those at risk.
Dr. Omolola Salako, a clinical oncologist and founder of Sebeccly Cancer Support in Nigeria, is also a leading voice in the fight against cervical cancer. Through the #StopHPVForHer campaign, she’s working to educate women about HPV, its link to cervical cancer, and the vital importance of routine Pap smears and HPV tests. Having cared for over 5,000 cancer patients, Dr. Salako believes that "awareness like this makes all the difference." Her message is simple but powerful: "Book that screening, talk to your doctor, and look out for your girlfriends too. Cervical cancer is preventable."
But not every story is one of unmitigated success. In Northern Ireland, a "scandal" within the Southern Health Trust’s cervical cancer screening service has left thousands of women in limbo. As reported by BBC News, about 17,500 women were asked to have their smear test results rechecked after it emerged that some tests had been misread by screeners as far back as 2008. The Trust’s review found that eight women whose tests were misread went on to develop cancer, while another 11 had pre-cancerous changes detected only upon review. Tragically, two women whose diagnoses were investigated as Serious Adverse Incidents have since died.
Heather Thompson, from the campaign group Ladies with Letters, is demanding a statutory public inquiry into what she calls a "scandal" that persisted for 13 years. "We hope that the reports will give some clarity as to what went on but our ultimate goal is to find out who allowed this to happen, why it was allowed to run on for 13 years when nothing was done about it and who is going to take ultimate accountability for this," she told BBC Radio Ulster. The group insists that only a full public inquiry will compel all stakeholders to attend and ensure transparency and accountability.
The Southern Health Trust apologized to all those affected and initiated a precautionary review of 17,425 women screened between 2008 and 2021, following an independent Royal College of Pathologists report citing "persistent underperformance" by some laboratory screeners. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said he has "a next step in mind" regarding a possible public inquiry, but for many women, answers—and closure—remain elusive.
As the world marks progress in the battle against cervical cancer, Scotland’s success story stands in stark contrast to the pain and frustration felt by women in Northern Ireland and beyond. The message from public health experts is clear: vaccination and regular screening are powerful tools, but vigilance, transparency, and accountability are equally essential. As Dr. Cachay put it, "The earlier you can be accurately diagnosed, the higher the odds that this disease is 100% curable."
In the end, the fight against cervical cancer is about more than medicine—it’s about trust, equity, and ensuring every woman’s health and dignity are protected.
