For immediate release

Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen Constituency has welcomed news that no cases of cervical cancer have been detected in those across South Lanarkshire who have received the HPV vaccine.

HPV is a virus responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer – the fourth most common cause of cancer in women worldwide.  In the United Kingdom, around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with more than 800 of those losing their lives. 

Vaccination against the virus has been available in Scotland since 2008, and is now offered to all S1 pupils.  Over 3,000 pupils in South Lanarkshire were vaccinated last year.

A new study from Public Health Scotland (PHS), in collaboration with the Universities of Strathclyde and Edinburgh, shows that no cervical cancer cases have been detected in fully vaccinated women following the start of the vaccination programme in Scotland. 

The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, shows the vaccine to be highly effective, and concludes that alongside regular screening for early detection and treatment, it is possible to make cervical cancer a rare disease. 

Commenting, Clare Haughey said;

“Across South Lanarkshire, and Scotland more broadly, we have made life-saving progress in detecting cervical cancer and providing preventative treatment.

“The facts speak for themselves – there have been no cases of cervical cancer detected in those who have been fully vaccinated, and there can be no doubt about the efficacy of this preventative healthcare. It is a truly remarkable achievement.

“The Scottish Government is working with Public Health Scotland and the cervical cancer elimination expert group to ensure that measures to eliminate the diseases that are caused by HPV are available to all and effective for all, with the aim of eliminating cervical cancer.

“This year’s immunisation programme is already underway, and I would strongly encourage parents to give their consent, and ensure that young people receive the protection that is offered by the vaccine.”

ENDS