Early implementation of vaccine could eliminate cervical cancer

The early implementation of a cervical cancer vaccine could eliminate the disease in Ireland, a healthcare professional said yesterday.

"There is great hope that we can eliminate cervical cancer because of this new vaccine, and the All Ireland Cancer Federation is calling for the implementation of a vaccination programme among girls aged 11 and 12," Dr Henrietta Campbell, chief executive of the federation, said.

"In Ireland, we have one of the highest death rates from cervical cancer in the western world. Some 70 women die from cervical cancer here every year. Many of these women have never had a cervical smear.

"The rolling out of a top quality screening programme immediately will save lives," Dr Campbell said at the launch of the cervical cancer prevention campaign "It Starts With You". The campaign is being lead by the Marie Keating Foundation, which has campaigned to create breast and prostate cancer awareness.

Approximately 180 women in Ireland are newly diagnosed with the disease annually and regular smear tests are seen as the most effective way of detecting abnormalities. Screening alone does not prevent infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) but it does assist with the identification of early signs.

"Countries that have been running successful cervical screening programmes over the last 20 years have seen the rate of cervical cancer fall but we have seen hundreds of women die from the disease in Ireland," Dr Campbell said.

Globally, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged under 45 and it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among women after breast and lung cancer.

The disease is caused by HPV, which is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Any sexually active woman is at risk of cervical cancer and 80 per cent of sexually active women will be infected with some form of HPV in their lifetime.

"What we want to see in Ireland is a greater knowledge amongst women that cervical cancer is due to HPV infection and is not a hereditary disease," said Lillian McGovern of the Marie Keating Foundation.

"It Starts With You" is being fronted by model Glenda Gilson and further information is available at the www.preventcervicalcancer.ie website.

To mark the campaign, a €3 phone charm will be available in 10 Marks & Spencer stores during July. Proceeds will go to the foundation to support them in their efforts to raise awareness of cervical cancer prevention.