Hopes raised for eradication of cervical cancer

A Lancet review has shown a fall in cases of HPV and pre-cancerous growths and scientists say the success of the HPV vaccination offers hope that one day cervical cancer will be eradicated.

Immunisation against the human papilloma virus, which is the cause of most cervical cancers, commenced over a decade ago.

The review included studies in a number of first world countries, including the UK, and looked into rates of HPV, plus cases of pre-cancerous cells in the cervix, called CIN.

It concluded that pre-cancerous growths were down by 51 per cent in girls aged 15-19 and by 31 per cent in women aged 29-24; and cases of HPV were down by 83 per cent in girls aged 15-19 and by 66 per cent in women aged 29-24.

Dr David Mesher, principal scientist at Public Health England, said “We are seeing reductions in HPV strains and in cervical disease as well, so there is every suggestion there will be reductions in cervical cancers too”

Robert Music of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said the results “clearly showed” the impact of the HPV vaccination.

“This study furthers the growing evidence to counteract those who don’t believe that the vaccine works, which is now extremely encouraging.

“We sincerely hope this will boost public faith in the HPV vaccine, so that more lives can be saved and we get closer to a world where cervical cancer is a thing of the past.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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