Randerson calls for urgent action on cervical cancer prevention

4.18.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Jun 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson and Assembly Member for Cardiff Central, Jenny Randerson, has introduced a statement of opinion to the National Assembly calling for improved understanding, detection and prevention of cervical cancer.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is currently deciding whether the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination should form part of the national immunization programme for girls. HPV is a common Sexually Transmitted Infection which can, in rare cases lead to cervical cancer.

Jenny Randerson said: "Every year in Wales, over fifty women die of cervical cancer. That is simply too many.

"If, as hoped, the JVCI finds that the HPV vaccination programme should go ahead, then it is essential that this is implemented quickly to include the next school year.

"The future health of young women is at stake here and we cannot afford to waste time on this issue."

Notes:

1. Jenny Randerson's statement of opinion reads:

Improved Understanding, Detection and Prevention of Cervical Cancer

This Assembly recognises that every year in Wales over fifty women will die of cervical cancer. Acting now and implementing a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme in secondary schools and improving the number of young women attending regular smear tests will save lives.

Subject to the approval by the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation of the vaccines we recognise the need to introduce the immunisation programme. This should be done swiftly and without delay to include the 2007/2008 school year.

In addition adequate provision of school nurses plus an education programme should also be created.

2. The JCVI has been deliberating on this issue for the past two years and many experts have warned of the importance of the HPV vaccination being planned for the next school year.

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