Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has hailed the incredible impact of the HPV vaccine.
A new study from Public Health Scotland shows that no cervical cancer cases have been detected in fully vaccinated women since the immunisation programme started in Scotland in 2008.
Ms Adamson said these incredible numbers highlight the importance of receiving the HPV vaccine.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus, usually spread through sexual contact, and responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer – the fourth-most common cause of cancer in women worldwide.
The HPV vaccine is offered as a routine immunisation through school-based programmes to all S1 pupils in Scotland. It helps to protect both boys and girls from other HPV-related cancers later in life, such as head, neck and anogenital cancers as well as genital warts.
In North Lanarkshire, 79.4 per cent of pupils received the vaccine last year and there have been no cases of cervical cancer detected in those fully vaccinated.
Ms Adamson said: “Across Scotland, and in my own Motherwell and Wishaw constituency, we have made life-saving progress in detecting Cervical Cancer and providing preventative treatment.
“The facts speak for themselves about the effectiveness of the vaccination programme: there have been no cases of cervical cancer detected in those who have been fully vaccinated.
“Consent forms for the S1 programme have been sent to homes across most of Scotland. This is critical preventative healthcare and it is making an enormous difference in cervical cancer rates.
“Alongside regular cervical screenings, I am encouraging all of my constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw to take up this vaccine when offered.”
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