BSCCP Statement on HPV Vaccine

The British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP) welcomes the Government's implementation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for girls aged 12 - 13.

The vaccination is an effective means to protect women from contracting HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. This is a positive measure by the Government and the task ahead is to successfully implement the programme, which is scheduled to start in September this year.

The programme will save around 400 lives per year from this preventable disease. Additionally, commencing in Autumn 2009 there will be a catch-up programme for girls up to the age of 18 which will take a further two years.

The overall cost of this programme is estimated to be £100m, with the catch-up programme costing a further £200m. This is a major investment in women’s health.

The BSCCP looks forward to working together across medical organisations, charities, schools and the community to ensure successful implementation of this initiative.

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