This week marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, a European wide initiative lead by the European Cervical Cancer Association (ECCA). It aims to raise awareness of cervical cancer and how it can be prevented.
A known factor for the development of cervical cancer in women is the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus found in the genital tract of most men and women who are sexually active. There are over 40 different types of genital HPV and the more aggressive strains can cause cancer in men and women. In the majority of cases, the individual’s own immune system clears the infection within two years.
The HPV vaccine has been found to be an extremely effective in protecting against specific premalignant disease of the cervix. Research evidence shows the population can be protected from some types of HPV through vaccination. Current evidence suggests that baseline immunity is maintained at five years and the best time for inoculation is before an individual is sexually active.
The HPV vaccination programme for girls between 12 – 13 years old started in September 2008 with a catch-up programme for girls up to 18 commencing later in autumn 2009.
Dr Tony Falconer, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) said:
“Regular cervical screening is vital for women as it can detect pre-cancer abnormalities, which, if left untreated, may develop into cancer.
“The increased uptake of screening has resulted in a reduction of the cervical cancer rate. This is testimony to the success of preventive medicine and women between the age of 25 to 65, in England, are encouraged to attend screening when requested.
“Screening aims to identify potentially serious illnesses, which with early detection will result in better outcomes for the woman. Abnormal smear results may indicate that a woman may have pre-cancerous cells in her cervix. Early detection enables doctors to conduct further investigation, diagnosis and treatment to ensure that the abnormality does not progress towards cancerous change which has more serious implications for treatment and outcome.
“In addition, the RCOG strongly encourages parents and girls who are of age to take up the offer of the HPV vaccine in order to reduce morbidity and mortality from this preventable cancer.”
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For more information please contact Naomi Weston on 020 7772 6357 or nweston@rcog.org.uk
For more information about the NHS Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, please click here.
For more information about the HPV vaccination programme, please visit the NHS Choices website here.
Relevant RCOG documents:
RCOG Scientific Advisory Committee Opinion Paper No. 7 Progress in cervical screening (June 2010)
RCOG Scientific Advisory Committee Opinion Paper No. 9 Vaccination against Cervical Cancer (February 2007)