GPs Welcome Cervical Cancer Vaccine Catch Up Programme, Northern Ireland

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 01 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland General Practitioner Committee (NIGPC) welcomed the announcement by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey that the catch up programme for human papillomavirus (HPV) will proceed in full for girls born between 2 July 1991 and 1 July 1995.

Dr Dunn said "NIGPC is very supportive of a campaign that will reduce the chance of many girls contracting cervical cancer. This a potentially fatal illness and doctors welcome the fact that a vaccine is available.

"We would encourage parents to ensure that girls within the age range take up this opportunity, and cooperate with GPs and healthcare professionals to get the vaccination".

1. There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus of which 13 are known to cause cancer

2. Over half of all women who have sex will get infected with HPV at some time in their lifetime

3. Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. 99% of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV

Source
Sara Morrow
Public Affairs Officer
British Medical Association Northern Ireland
16 Cromac Place
Cromac Wood, Ormeau Road,
Belfast BT7 2JB