Celebrities have their say

Singer and songwriter, Sandi Thom:

'Cancer and other life-threatening diseases are not things that we often think about - especially when you're young and you have other things on your mind. But cervical cancer is an issue that faces all women across Scotland and the rest of the UK.'

'When I was 19 I had a cancer scare and had to have laser surgery on my cervix in order to remove abnormal cells. It was a very scary period of time for me and my family and the procedure itself was really uncomfortable. The introduction of the HPV immunisation programme will mean that other girls will not have to go through this and due to the vaccine will be more protected from the risk of cervical cancer. It's just three jabs but these can save your life - why not take the first step in the fight against cervical cancer!'

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Television presenter, Fern Britton:

'As a mother, I am very supportive of the new HPV immunisation programme to protect young girls in Scotland and across the UK from cervical cancer. With two young girls at home, who will be receiving the vaccine in the near future, I will definitely sit them down for a chat about the immunisation, cervical cancer and the importance of looking after their health. If there is any way to protect my children against cervical cancer then I’ll take it and I would urge other parents to do the same.'

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Television presenter, Kirsty Gallacher:

'Keeping fit and looking after my body is an important aspect of my life and every female should be aware of their health and wellbeing. I think this new vaccine is a big turning point for young women in Scotland and across the UK. It’s essential for girls to realise the importance of looking after their body and to be aware of how this new immunisation will help protect them against cervical cancer. It’s also vital that young women continue to participate in regular cervical screening from the age of 20. Girls who will be receiving the vaccine are very lucky to be amongst the first!'

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Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Liz McColgan:

'Talking about sensitive issues can sometimes be quite daunting for parents and children alike, but there is no need to worry. There is loads of information available for girls and parents about the HPV immunisation programme and if you have any questions just speak to your GP or nurse and they will be able to help you. Girls across Scotland and the UK are all in the same position so there is no need to be embarrassed - this is a battle you can all fight together!'

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Former Miss Scotland, Nieve Jennings:

'It is a horrid thing to think about but every year over 1,000 women in the UK die from cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine aims to dramatically reduce the number of women who will have to fight this battle – so think about it, talk to your mum, dad and your friends. Find out as much as you can about what it entails and how it will help to protect you and then you can make an informed decision to help beat cervical cancer!'

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Former Hollyoaks actress and West End sensation, Summer Strallen:

'The introduction of the HPV vaccine for young girls across Scotland and the rest of the UK is such a great step forward in the fight against cervical cancer. So many women are struck by this horrendous illness and anything that can help reduce the number of individuals and families that have to face this ordeal has to be a good thing. I would urge any young girls who are offered the opportunity to get this vaccine to take it and hopefully help to reduce cervical cancer rates forever.'

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Acclaimed Scottish actress, Julie Graham:

'Having two daughters means the new HPV immunisation programme is very close to my heart.'

'Around 1,000 women die of cervical cancer in the UK every year and these three jabs, which girls in Scotland and across the UK will be offered from September 2008, can significantly reduce their chances of developing a potentially fatal cancer. Some parents may be anxious about their child receiving yet another vaccine however if we stop and think of what could happen if we didn't protect our children with such a vaccine- it really doesn’t bear thinking about! My daughters will be receiving the vaccine as soon as they’re eligible.'

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BBC River City actress who plays Amber, Lorna Anderson:

'Young people like me never think that serious health issues such as cervical cancer will affect them but in reality 80 per cent of all females will acquire the HPV infection at some point in their life. That’s a frightening figure, even though the majority of cases clear up by themselves. But many don’t and the virus can lead to damaged cells, that can develop into cervical cancer. The fact that this new vaccine will help protect young girls against the virus that causes cervical cancer is a real breakthrough. This new immunisation programme will offer young girls future protection against a life threatening disease and that’s something to be very grateful of.'

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Freelance radio DJ and broadcaster, Heather Suttie:

'Many of my listeners are teenagers who’ll be eligible to receive the HPV vaccine this year and I think it’s fantastic that they’ll be given the chance to help protect themselves against cervical cancer in the future. When you think of the pain and heartache caused by cervical cancer, which affects many families across Scotland and the UK every year, you don’t really have to think twice about having the jabs!'

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Singer, Beverley Knight:

'This vaccine has been introduced to protect young women against the two types of the HPV virus that go on to cause at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers. All of us were made aware of the real risk facing young women from cervical cancer this year; Jade Goody's death at age 27 was shocking. This vaccine is being introduced NOW to protect the woman your young child will one day become.'

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