HPV vaccination reduces precancerous cervical lesions by 42% in Slovenia

New data from the Ljubljana Oncology Institute indicates that generations of girls with access to free HPV vaccination in primary school have 42% fewer high-grade precancerous cervical lesions compared to generations without such access.

Medical experts warn that in Slovenia, approximately 200 people fall ill annually with cancers that could have been prevented through vaccination. This equates to one person being diagnosed every 44 hours. While the vaccine's effectiveness is well-documented, experts note that vaccination rates in Slovenia remain low.

HPV is linked to six types of cancer in both men and women, including cervical, oral, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. Currently, one in four women between the ages of 20 and 25 in Slovenia is infected with an HPV genotype capable of causing cancer. Health officials are urging parents of sixth-grade students to utilize the free vaccination option during systematic examinations to prevent future disease.