The NHS in the South West is asking people to do their part to support Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action
17 November is Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action and this year the NHS in the South West is inviting the public to get involved and support the regions commitment to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
Proportionally more people being diagnosed with cervical cancer in the South West when compared to the national rate of 2,700 people per year. To work towards the goal of eliminating cervical cancer, the NHS in the South West has outlined three goals to achieve over the next 5 years:
- Increase HPV vaccination rates to at least 90% for boys and girls
- Halt the decline in cervical screening rates and increase the screening rate to at least 70% in the 25-49 cohort
- Ensure at least 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive treatment
As such, eligible people are being encouraged to take up the offer for free HPV vaccinations and cervical screening appointments, and we are asking everyone to raise awareness of the achievable goal of eliminating cervical cancer in our blog.
Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West said: “This Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action we want to reaffirm our South West commitment to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.
“Everyone has a part to play in helping to achieve this goal. If you are eligible, make sure you attend your cervical screening appointment when invited. If your child is invited for their HPV vaccine, make sure you return their signed consent form. Even if you can’t receive a HPV vaccination or cervical screening, you can do your bit by talking about the importance of vaccination and screening with your friends and family.
“We have the tools to really make a difference and reduce the numbers of cervical cancers diagnosed until it is eliminated. This will not only help us to live better for longer, but it will save lives.”
HPV vaccinations are available to boys and girls in year 8 at school (aged 12 to 13 years old) and studies in England have shown that the vaccination is effective at stopping 90% of cervical cancers. The vaccinations are also available through GPs to girls under the age of 25, and boys who were born after 1 September 2006, who missed the opportunity to be vaccinated at school.
Cervical screening is open to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and saves approximately 5,000 lives per year in England. Those who are eligible will be sent an invite via the NHS App, as well as via text or letter when required. However, the offer for cervical screening remains open even if the invite was missed and appointments can be made through GPs.
Find out more about cervical cancer, cervical screening and HPV vaccination on the NHS website.