Jo's Trust welcomes cervical cancer vaccination uptake in Northern Ireland

News Release

Jo’s Trust welcomes cervical vaccination uptake in Northern Ireland

Jo’s Trust, the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity is pleased to see that there has been a high uptake of the cervical cancer vaccine in Northern Ireland. Since the vaccination programme was introduced in Northern Ireland last year, 89% of Year 9 girls received the first dose, with 85% and 83% receiving the second and third doses.

Robert Music, director of Jo’s Trust said, “It is very good news that the vaccination take up is so high in Northern Ireland. Jo’s Trust is delighted that so many parents and young girls have taken this opportunity to protect themselves. However the vaccine does not protect against all the causes of cervical cancer and all women should make sure they attend for cervical screening when invited to do so”

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September 2009

NOTES TO EDITORS

Jo’s Trust – www.jotrust.co.uk – is a registered charity established in 1999 by James Maxwell in memory of his wife Jo who died of cervical cancer. Jo’s Trust is dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix.
Around 1,000 women die from cervical cancer in the UK each year. This cancer is caused by the human papilliomavirus or HPV, which is spread from one person to another during sexual activity (not necessarily sexual intercourse). Both men and women can become infected with this virus. There are over 100 types of HPV but only 13 of these are known to cause cervical cancer and just two types, types 16 and 18, cause over 70% of the cases.
The HPV vaccine will protect against types 16 and 18 which are the two most common types causing cervical cancer. The vaccine will not protect against the remaining cancer causing types, so it will be vital that in future those who have been vaccinated continue to go for routine cervical screening.

Enquiries to Robert Music, 07980 720061 or robert@jotrust.co.uk

Last updated: 20/04/2010