Cervical cancer jab approved but not yet available to girls on the NHs

Gardasil, a new drug which works against the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer, has been approved by the European Union.

This means that the vaccine, made by Merck and Sanofi Pasteur, will be made available to girls and women aged nine to 26. It is administered in three injections, and is expected to cost about £65 per dose. Three jabs are usually given over a six month period.

Some parents have expressed concern about approval of the drug for under-16s but, as with the rubella vaccination, innoculation before sexual activity begins has been found to be the best method of ensuring immunity.

Unfortunately, Gardasil only prevents about 80% of cervical cancers and regular smear tests will still be important.

The question of why the vaccine is not being recommended for boys has also been raised, as not only can HPV be passed on by males, but it can also lead to penile cancers and possibly prostate cancers in later life.

Cancer Research UK's Chief Executive, Professor Alex Markham, has hailed the approval as an exciting step towards preventing the disease, which kills around 1,120 women in the UK every year*. However, he warns 'The current vaccines do not prevent all cancer-related HPV strains. But studies have shown that they are up to 100% effective against the targeted HPV strains (strains 16 and 18), and as a result they have the potential to prevent around 70% of cervical cancers.'

He added, 'This announcement means that women will soon be able to buy the vaccine if they choose to do so. But we don't yet know if vaccination will be available through a national vaccination programme'.

South London-based GP, Dr Mike Lane, commented, ' There is still some concern about how long immunity lasts and the vaccines have not been extensively tested on under 16s yet. However, I'm really excited as it's the first vaccine that really protects against a common cancer.

'Raisingkids asked Judy Mitchell, mum to two teenage daughters, about her feelings about the new development. She told us: 'As a mother of two young women I encourage open discussion on issues, especially involving female health. I encourage my older daughter (19), in particular, to have regular check-ups at her Well Women clinic at her university. She's keen to take advantage of the new innoculation against cervical cancer, not least as we have recently witnessed a dear friend's painful battle against breast cancer.'

However, if Gardasil is truly approved, safe and effective, the main question is, why should protection cost so much?

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* SOURCE: BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5370504.stm