RCOG Consumer's Forum Free Public Lecture: Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented? UK

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Cancer / Oncology;  Conferences
Article Date: 16 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Cervical cancer is responsible for around 2800 new cases of cancer and 1000 deaths in the UK every year. It is the second most common cancer, after breast cancer, for those aged 35 or under and the twelfth most common cancer in all women.

The Consumers' Forum of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is holding a free public lecture in London at 6pm, Thursday 06 March 2008, entitled Can cervical cancer be prevented?

The lecture will be delivered by gynaecological cancer expert, Mr Mahmood Shafi, a Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon and Oncologist based in Cambridge. During the lecture, Mr Shafi will address such issues as current research evidence on cervical cancer, screening and risk factors and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.

HPV vaccines are particularly topical given the vaccination will be available for all girls in Britain aged 12 to 13 from September 2008, and for those aged up to 18 years from 2009.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, a virus that is mainly contracted through unprotected sex. The impact of the vaccination programme will be immense, but it will take a generation before results are seen.

Mrs Karen Hobbs, RCOG Consumer's Forum, says, "Cervical and other gynaecological cancers affect many lives - both for those with the disease and for their loved ones. We want to ensure that women and their families are informed about prevention and we hope this public lecture will provide excellent food for thought."

To reserve your free place please visit http://www.rcog.org.uk/meetings or call 020 7772 6245. Can cervical cancer be prevented? will take place from 6pm - 7.15pm, Thursday, 06 March 2008 at the RCOG, 27 Sussex Place, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RG.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists