gIRLS are being urged to have a jab to reduce their chances of contracting cervical cancer.
NHS Derbyshire recently revealed figures suggesting that five girls in every school could die of the disease, suggesting many are yet to start their human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine programme – which helps protect them against the second biggest cancer killer of women in their 30s in the UK.
GPs and health bosses are also urging parents to advise their child not to delay in accessing this life-saving vaccine. The vaccine is most effective when it is given to teenage girls before they are exposed to the virus – so their immune system can build up resistance to the deadly virus.
Dr Pauline Love, of Bakewell Medical Centre, said: “Imagine if we had a vaccine against breast cancer, women would be queuing outside the surgery to get it. But this is exactly what this jab is – a jab to help protect against cancer, yet two in ten girls still aren’t coming forward to have it.
“If you project this figure into the future, it’ll mean a lot of unnecessary tragedy and heartache for young women who would otherwise be enjoying the prime of their life.”