During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23rd-29th January), Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster backed Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to call for action to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK.
Cervical cancer currently kills two women in the UK every day and the charity is calling for action, innovation, and awareness to help end cervical cancer.
Kevin is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, by encouraging women in Torbay to attend their cervical screening when invited, and by supporting the efforts of the HPV immunisation programme.
Cervical screening coverage in Torbay is currently 71.7% meaning over a quarter of women living in our bay do not attend their screening when invited.
Kevin Foster MP said: “We have the opportunity to effectively consign a type of cancer to the history books. Cervical screening and HPV vaccines can both help prevent cervical cancer. I would encourage everyone who can to make use of these amazing cancer prevention tools.”
In its latest report, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity found that only 17% of health professionals working across cervical cancer prevention think enough is currently being done to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. Only 20% think enough is being done to ensure high levels of HPV vaccine uptake, and just 16% believe that enough is being done to support cervical screening uptake.
Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “A world without cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. The UK has the tools to make it a reality which is incredibly exciting. We need Government action to get there as soon as possible, but everyone can play their part. Going for cervical screening when invited, and making sure your child is vaccinated against HPV, will help make cervical cancer a thing of the past.
“We must also continue to invest in research, improve access to treatments, and banish the stigma and blame that too often comes with a cervical cancer diagnosis. Being forward looking should not mean those living with and beyond cancer get left behind.”
To get involved with Cervical Cancer Prevention, and the #WeCan End Cervical Cancer campaign, follow Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust on social media or visit the website at jostrust.org.uk
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