PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER

That this House welcomes the licensing in the UK of the first vaccine to prevent the causes of cervical cancer; notes that each year in the UK between 3,000 and 4,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and that 1,000 of these women die of the disease; recognises the important role Jo's Trust has played in raising the public profile and understanding of the causes of cervical cancer, and in providing support to women, their families and friends affected by pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix; shares Jo's Trust's concerns about the fall in the number of women attending cervical smear tests and recognises the need for more information about cervical screening to improve the early detection of cervical cancer; acknowledges that the vaccine will prevent loss of life and reduce the burden on women of cervical smears, colposcopies and related treatment; and urges the Government to implement a universal vaccination programme at the earliest possible date.