evidence: The human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine is cutting cases of cervical cancer right across the socio-economic spectrum, with most cases being prevented in more deprived groups, according to a major study funded by Cancer Research UK. [...] Today’s news adds even more weight to evidence that HPV vaccination works. Researchers found that over a 12-year period, the vaccine reduced cervical cancer incidence rates by nearly 90% and pre-cancerous conditions by around 95% in women who were offered routine vaccination at 12-13 years old in England. The study shows that the vaccine is much more effective when taken up by people in year 8 (aged 12-13) than later in life. [...] The HPV vaccine, combined with cervical screening, can dramatically reduce cervical cancer incidence to the point where almost no one develops it. Improving people’s access to both programmes is at the heart of NHS England’s recent pledge to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040. ***