Family Focus: Cancer vaccine

A year after the introduction of a new cervical cancer vaccine in Northern Ireland, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has revealed a high uptake among schoolgirls.

The cancer kills about 40 women every year in Northern Ireland and is the second most common form of cancer world-wide amongst women.

In this week's Family Focus, Mr McGimpsey said he believed the vaccine could prevent about 70% of cervical cancers.

"This is a programme that will save, potentially, large numbers of lives over the years and generations ahead," said Mr McGimpsey.

We also talk to three schoolgirls about their decision to take the vaccine.

They say they are confident they will be protected from the cancer for years to come.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version