HPV & cervical cancer
Beating Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer affects the cervix – the entrance to the womb. The cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV, which is spread from one person to another during sexual activity. There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus but only 13 of these cause cervical cancer. Around 1000 women die from cervical cancer each year in the UK.
The HPV virus is very common and is easily spread by sexual activity. As much as half the population will be infected at some time in their life. As most girls don’t start having sex until after they are 16 years of age, it is important that they get this protection early enough to protect them in the future.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, also known as cervical cancer vaccination, is offered routinely to all 12- to 13-year-old girls to protect them from cervical cancer in later life. The jab protects against two types of HPV, which cause more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
The vaccine will be given at school by the school nursing team or at your GP if absent on the day. It will be given in the upper arm and has a sharp sting for 5-10 seconds. Three injections will be needed over a period of around 6 months in order for the vaccine to offer the best protection.
Consent is required by the girl’s parent to receive this vaccine.
HPV vaccine stops the body being infected by the two human papilloma viruses that cause cervical cancer in over 70% of people. It does not protect against any other infections spread during sexual activity, such as chlamydia, nor will it stop someone from getting pregnant. All other safe sex messages still apply with or without vaccination and other routine cervical screening tests must be adhered to when older.
