04/02/2014

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Could Be 'Hugely Beneficial' To Boys

A vaccination that protects girls from cervical cancer could be used to save thousands of boys lives in Britain.

The jab, which immunises 12 and 13-year-old girls against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), would be "hugely beneficial" to boys as well, according to campaigners.

The virus, which can be sexually transmitted, is responsible for 5% of all cancers worldwide, according to HPV Action.

"We have an incredible opportunity here to fight cancer with a simple jab," said the charity's spokesman Peter Baker. "Most ways of fighting cancer involve losing weight or exercising more or changing lifestyles radically. This involves a simple vaccination which cost £45."

HPV has been linked to many cancers including throat, penile and anal.

According to Sky News a Department of Health spokesman said they have started a review. "More than 80% of girls are now vaccinated against HPV, however we recognise that the current vaccination programme does not offer protection against HPV-related cancers to gay man, which is the JCVI has set up a sub-committee to assess whether the programme should be extended to adolescent boys, men who have sex with other men, or both."

(CVS/CD)

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