Vaccination can contribute to eliminating HPV cancers

Dr Robert O’Connor

Director of Research, Irish Cancer Society

In the Irish Cancer Society, we are keenly aware of the devastation caused to people and families by HPV cancers.

Every day in Ireland, someone is diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV, and more than two people die from this source of cancer every week.

Over nine in ten cervical cancer diagnoses are caused by HPV infections leading to around 90 deaths every year. They are also associated with other incredibly difficult diagnoses such as cancers of the throat, mouth, anus, cervix, vagina and penis.

The HPV vaccine in use at the moment is the most effective we have ever had, and has been proven time and again to be safe.

Elimination of HPV cancers

Through vaccination, we now have a unique opportunity to eliminate these cancers for future generations of our young people.

HPV vaccinations have come a long way in the last number of years. In Ireland, we are at a big advantage due to a number of important advances, including the introduction of HPV vaccinations for both boys and girls in the first year of secondary school.

The HPV vaccine in use at the moment is the most effective we have ever had, and has been proven time and again to be safe.

Uptake of the vaccine is expected to top 80% this year, according to the HSE, in what is a really encouraging sign as we seek to protect as many people as possible.

If we can make the right decisions now, both individually and as a community, then we in the Irish Cancer Society firmly believe that a future without HPV cancers will be achieved.