A syringeThe news is buzzing today with the Government’s announcement that, from next year, schoolgirls will be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus – the virus that causes cervical cancer.

The vaccine programme will run in parallel with the current cervical screening programme for the foreseeable future, as it will take some time for the vaccine’s impact on cervical cancer to be seen.

Our CEO, Harpal Kumar, had this to say on the matter:

“This is an exciting step towards preventing cervical cancer in the UK. While the vaccine has the potential to prevent many cases of the disease, the impact of a vaccination programme won’t be felt for many years. Cervical screening remains vital in preventing the disease. We urge all women to take up the invitation when they receive it.

“The cervical screening programme is very effective. For women between 25 and 49, three yearly screening prevents 84 cervical cancers out of every 100 that would develop without screening.

“Cancer Research UK’s Screening Matters campaign encourages people to go for screening when invited, and to encourage friends and family to do the same.”

There’s an in-depth discussion of the HPV vaccine in the Behind the Headlines section of our News & Resources website.

Henry