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HPV (human papilloma virus) is a very common virus that most people will have at some point in their lives.  There is over 100 strains of this virus and some strains increase your cancer risk. HPV causes nearly 5%of cancers worldwide. The estimated annual number of cancers caused by HPV in Ireland is 420.   Further information about the virus can be found on our website. The HPV schools vaccine programme will shortly commence for  2022/2023 and will be offered free to both boys and girls in their first year of secondary school.  The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against the HPV virus, which can cause cancer and genital warts in both women and men. The HSE is finalising a plan for a catch up programme for eligible boys and girls who missed their vaccines due to Covid-19 and a catch up programme for older females. On the support line, we often get questions from the public about the vaccine and the programme, some frequently asked questions are: Is the Vaccine safe? The HPV vaccine is safe. The safety of the HPV vaccine has been studied for over 15 years. Over 1 million people have been studied during clinical trials since the vaccine was licensed in 2006.   Information about vaccine safety can be found here .  There is no scientific evidence in Ireland or in any other country that the HPV vaccine causes any long-term medical condition. There are stories on social media claiming that the HPV vaccine causes an increase in cases of: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) – an increase in heart rate that can make you feel faint and dizzy complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg The European Medicines Agency (EMA) researched these claims in 2015. They found no evidence that the HPV vaccine leads to an increase in these conditions, further information can be found here. Vaccines are strictly monitored and reviewed regularly by international bodies including the: World Health Organization European Medicines Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA Are there any side effects from the vaccine? Most people have no problems after the vaccine. The HPV vaccine has many of the same, mild side effects as other vaccines.  Soreness, swelling and redness in their arm where the injection was given. This is nothing to worry about as this usually passes after a day or two. Headache, or feel sick in their tummy or have a slight temperature. If this happens, paracetamol or ibuprofen will help. Occasionally, some people may feel unwell and faint after getting their injection. To prevent this, when someone gets the vaccine they are asked to sit down and rest for 15 minutes after the vaccination. All international bodies have continually reported that the vaccines used in Ireland have no long-term side effects. My child/I decided not to proceed with the HPV schools programme in their first year of secondary school can they/I opt in now? Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled who wish to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP, some pharmacies or  their sexual health clinic and pay for the vaccine and its administration privately.  The vaccine costs approximately 200 euro per dose. If you have private health insurance we recommend to check if it is covered on your policy. If you miss a dose due to absence, contact your local school vaccination team  to arrange an appointment. Some useful websites that are a good resource for information are listed below.  Please contact our support line on 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie if you would like any information or advice from a cancer nurse. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-human-papillomavirus/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-vaccination-programme/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/about/  

Hi there, trying not to read too much about diet as so much conflicting advice out there. Can you eat a takeaway when having chemo? And I’m reading conflicting advice on raw vs cooked nuts? Thanks

I have had so many suggestions for changing my diet My first tumour was removed pus a few nodes two days after my80th birthday so old age does mean you can ignore lumps etc first annual check up was all clear but they changed me to tamoxifen I was having a tickly throat this summer, had an ex-ray which show the cancer had headed inwards . I have just had my second injection of fulvestrant into my bum and would be interested to hear from anyone who might also be having this treatment I am juicing vegetable, have not worried about filtering, our water in County Clare seems so good. eating a lot of turmeric and just a few apricot kernels each day, not too much red met and processed foods

Trying to find correct thread. I was diagnosed with her2 positive. Had lumpectomy and node removal. Thank God margins clear, bloods good etc. Because it was an aggressive receptor that caused issue, chemotherapy x 6 + herceptin was recommended. Am 3 in, looking for discussion forums for those in similar circumstances..

Hi, Just thought I would share this link http://www.choosetotri.com/index.php/ou ... ht-cancer/ In particular the following statement We recently spoke to Dr. Janice Walshe, Consultant Medical Oncologist at St. Vincents University Hospital, Dublin. “[color=#0000BF:312ix0bk]Probably the most common question I get asked by women who have completed treatment for breast cancer is “Now what can I do to reduce my risk of my cancer returning?”. The evidence from all the literature is consistent and compelling – the answer is exercise and maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). We encourage our patients to get out there and exercise during and after treatment to the extent that they can. Regular exercise is beneficial on many levels. I’m delighted to hear about the ChooseToTri initiative and wish them the best of luck in their campaign to get people active[/color:312ix0bk].” On the same site there is some guidance about the levels of exercise needed. Some further reading: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232406.php http://www.dana-farber.org/For-Adult-Ca ... ivors.aspx http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinfor ... ivity.aspx Kathleen

Is there anything that anyone can recommend for boost energy levels? The Oncology Team won't continue the treatment until energy levels come up, without the treatment time is short, is there anything that you can recommend?

If anyone is awaiting Radiotherapy... I suggest you start taking MOR EPA (Omega 3) fish oils. If you eat oily fish at least 3-4 times a week, you won't need to take them as a supplement, you should be getting enough. They really helped me through my Radiotherapy as I didn't experience the tiredness nor the break down of my skin as was suggested might happen. I went on them and Vitamin D3 at end of September and started Radiotherapy on Nov 14th. I am studying Nutritional Therapy and am 100% convinced that taking them helped me to have 33 rather "uneventful" radiotherapy sessions. Best of luck to you all on your journeys. Happy New Year filled with health, happiness and positivity.

Just wondering how many of you changed your diet after your diagnosis? I'm veering more and more towards the Raw Diet. The more I read about it, the more I wonder if our diet is playing a major role in developing breast cancer. I've began juicing a lot and am looking at getting cleaner water into my house aswell. Any input would be great. Thanks Summer

Hi, My mam went through and got over bowel cancer. but now she is having tummy trouble ever since. she has diarrhoea a lot. she has been to see a dietician and a person about food allergies but still no luck. has anyone gone through similar. many thanks fergus

Hi ladies in a spur of 'i must get myself moving!!!'i have signed up to do mini marathon!!!!i felt i needed a goal and sure the excersise will be great.i only signed up yesterday but my mindset is already changing,have my training plan mapped out and am actually looking forward to doing it.this is not something i EVER thought i would do.Think i will have a tshirt printed with 'onwards and upwards'on front and 'been there'done that 'wearing the hairstyle'on back!!! On another note are we all still up for meet after easter? xx