Cervical cancer and HPV
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation programme is a major breakthrough in tackling cancer. The new HPV vaccine helps protect against two types of HPV, which are the most common causes of cervical cancer.
What is cervical cancer?
This cancer only affects women. It occurs in the cervix, the entrance to the womb.
What is HPV?
HPV is short for Human Papilloma Virus – certain strains of which can cause cervical cancer.
How does HPV cause cervical cancer?
In some cases, the virus can survive in the lining of the cervix for a long time and damage the cells. After several years damaged cells can develop into cancer.
Development of the HPV vaccine
A vaccine encourages the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that will fight off the virus. In this way, the new HPV vaccine will help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Benefits of cervical screening
Thanks to Scotland’s successful cervical screening programme, which detects damaged cells which can then be treated if necessary, cervical cancer is a lot less common. It is vital that all women including those who have been immunised attend for regular screening from age 20.
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