Irish Cancer Society to lead campaign to eliminate HPV-caused cancers
The Irish Cancer Society has launched a campaign to eliminate all future HPV-caused cancers in Ireland.
Speaking on the announcement ahead of International HPV Awareness Day on Wednesday 4 March, Chief Executive Averil Power said: “Every day someone in Ireland is diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV, and more than two people die from this source of cancer every week.
“HPV infections can lead to a number of cancers affecting both men and women, including cancers of the throat, mouth, anus, cervix, vagina and penis.
“Devastating side effects of treatment for these cancers such as infertility and early menopause can last a lifetime. Here at the Irish Cancer Society we believe HPV cancers can be stopped in their tracks”.
The campaign has been welcomed by the family of the late Laura Brennan who died from cervical cancer at just 26.
Laura’s brother Kevin says: “The elimination of HPV-related cancers is now within our grasp, but more still has to be done. We’re delighted that the Irish Cancer Society have made this their focus. There is huge scope to save lives, and that would be an amazing legacy for Laura’s tireless efforts,”
Cervical cancer survivor Kim Hanly wants as many people as possible to be vaccinated so that her story need never be repeated for others:
“I had to have surgery for a radical hysterectomy at 26 due to my diagnosis of cervical cancer."
Kim added: "I can still remember the burning pain afterwards, and ever since I’ve had to deal with heart-breaking side effects including bowel issues and early menopause, along with further difficult surgeries. All this was avoidable; no woman should go through what I have experienced.”
More than 9 in 10 cervical cancer diagnoses come about from HPV infections, leading to around 90 deaths every year. However, a recent Europe-wide report revealed that Ireland is in an excellent position to stop cervical cancer due to its strong prevention policies.
Advances in cancer screening and the wider roll-out of a HPV vaccination programme that has been proven safe and effective have helped to make this a realistic goal, in partnership with members of the HPV Vaccination Alliance.
Funds raised on Daffodil Day 2020 on Friday 27 March, proudly supported by Boots Ireland, play a vital role in the Irish Cancer Society’s efforts to raise awareness around the importance of HPV vaccination and screening in preventing cancer.
For more information visit www.Cancer.ie/HPV.
