Health chiefs back cervical cancer prevention week

Mon, 23 Jan 2012

Health chiefs are reminding women on the Island of the importance of cervical cancer vaccines and screening as part of a Europe-wide prevention week for the disease.

The Department of Health says it expects the number of cases of cervical cancer to fall by two thirds as a result of the HPV vaccine.

However, up to 20% of women called for screening for the disease miss their tests each year.

The Department wants girls eligible for the vaccine to make sure they get all three doses, and for those invited for screening to attend their appointment.

Cervical cancer prevention week runs until January 28th.