Our research into cervical cancer
Our strategy
For the past 120 years, we’ve been making discoveries that have saved countless lives. But we have so much more to do. Our strategy sets out how we'll accelerate progress towards a better future.
Our research is saving lives
Research into cervical cancer has saved many thousands of lives through discovering new ways to prevent and diagnose the disease and developing better treatments.
We have a proven track record of propelling discoveries forwards. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and screening methods we helped develop are preventing thousands of deaths every year. Thanks to these advances, the World Health Organization has set an ambitious target to eliminate the disease globally as a public health problem. This is the first time the world has committed to a target like this.
We want to bring about a future where almost no-one develops cervical cancer. Where people in the UK and across the world can share in this progress equally regardless of who they are or where they’re from.
Our research into cervical cancer
Researcher Spotlight
Professor Peter Sasieni is one of the researchers at the heart of beating cervical cancer today.
He’s the director of our Cancer Prevention Trials Unit in London.
One of his current focusses is finding ways to improve cervical cancer screening. He’s looking to enhance access to existing screening programmes and will evaluate new screening methods, like self-sampling, that could help reduce inequalities in screening uptake and might be a better option for places with limited healthcare resources.
Excitingly, in 2021, research led by Professor Sasieni showed that the UK HPV vaccination programme works and will save lives. Results showed the vaccine dramatically reduced cervical cancer rates by almost 90% in women in their 20s who were offered it at ages 12 to 13.
Patient Spotlight
Tara was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015 and took part in the Cancer Research UK trial INTERLACE, which she was initially apprehensive about.
“For me, the words clinical trial meant doom and gloom, but I got it completely wrong. I was given a choice to do a trial and my clinical nurse Wendy was fantastic at explaining it to me. Now I really want to raise awareness about clinical trials as I loved being a part of one. My oncology team were amazing, and I felt very privileged to know that I was part of ground-breaking research."
Results from the INTERLACE trial show that giving cervical cancer patients a short course of chemotherapy before starting the standard treatment cuts the risk of death or of the disease returning by 35%.
Current research
From studying the biology of cervical cancer cells in the lab to leading clinical trials testing cutting-edge treatments, our researchers are working hard to ensure more women survive cervical cancer.
Past research
Thanks to research, we’ve helped change the outlook for women with cervical cancer.
Patients' stories
Meet people like Nicola who have experienced first-hand how our research is making a difference. The life-saving research we do wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Cancer news
From cutting edge science and debunking myths to patient stories, read the latest news, analysis and opinion on our news site.
Further information
Our strategy
Over the last 40 years, cancer survival in the UK has doubled. In the 1970s just 1 in 4 people survived their disease for 10 years or more. Today 2 in 4 survive.
We want to accelerate progress and see 3 in 4 patients surviving the disease by 2034.