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Be aware of cancer risk
WARNING: Director of Public Health Dr Parameswaran Kishore
CERVICAL Cancer Prevention Week 2012 is well under way in the island this week.
The Department of Health is focusing on two specific aspects of cervical cancer prevention – immunisation and screening – as the island joins the rest of Europe to support the annual initiative which began on Sunday and runs until Saturday (January 28).
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Immunisation Programme that has been running for two-years is offered to all girls aged 12 and 13 (Year 8).
Evidence indicates that the introduction of this vaccination will prevent 70 per cent of cervical cancers – it offers protection against the two main forms of HPV.
The vaccinations can still commence before a girl is 18 if she missed the opportunity while in Year 8.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: ‘To be able to vaccinate against this type of cancer is a remarkable step forward.
‘By providing an HPV Immunisation Programme annually, the department is taking action to save the lives of numerous women in the Isle of Man.
Vaccination
‘We hope to see the number of cases of cervical cancer reduced by more than two thirds in the years ahead, as those girls who have been vaccinated enter adulthood.’
Around 1,000 women lose their life to cervical cancer every year in the UK.
Isle of Man health protection nurse Jacqui Dunn said: ‘The peak incidence of cervical cancer is between the ages of 40 to 55. The importance of screening regularly from age 25 cannot be over emphasised.’
Dr Parameswaran Kishore, Isle of Man director of public health, said: ‘This awareness week highlights the importance of all girls in the eligible age group receiving all three doses of the HPV vaccination, as well as encouraging eligible women to accept the invitation for cervical screening and follow up.
‘The majority of those who do not take up either the vaccine or the invitation for screening often do not fully realise the implications of their decision, as they may not be aware of all the facts on cervical cancer. Some 20 per cent of women don’t attend each year for this important test.’
For Staywell Clinic cervical screening appointments, phone 642638. For HPV vaccination in schools, call 642688.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: North west
