Latest news with #AthenaLamnisos
The Independent
04-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Concern over dip in vaccine which can protect against six cancers
There is a 'worrying lack of awareness' about the HPV jab given to high school pupils, a charity has said after figures show that over a quarter of eligible teenagers are missing out. The vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which significantly reduces the risk of cancers caused by HPV. Leading gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, has raised concerns over a dip in uptake figures in England coupled with an 'understanding gap' about the vaccine. And leading health officials from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have urged young people to take up the offer of the jab as it called on parents to sign the consent forms to enable their children to be vaccinated. Officials statistics published in January show that HPV coverage for year 8 students in England was 72.9% for girls in 2023/24, down from 86.9% in 2017/18. The jab for boys was only introduced in 2019 and coverage levels reached at 71% in 2020/21, but the latest figures show they now stand at 67.7%. There has been a small increase in uptake among both girls and boys from 2022/23 to 2023/34 – though experts have said that there is 'a long way to go'. It comes as a survey released by The Eve Appeal found 38% of adults said they do not know who is eligible for the NHS HPV vaccination programme. Two in five (40%) were aware of the vaccination programme for 12 to 13-year-old girls, but only 18% knew the jab is also offered to boys this age, according to the YouGov poll of 2,100 UK adults. The jab helps to ward off six different cancers including those of the cervix, mouth, anus, penis, vulva and vagina. Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal chief executive, said that there is a 'worrying lack of awareness around HPV', adding: ' Girls in the UK have been offered the HPV vaccination since 2008 and vaccination started for boys in 2019 – but in 2025 we've got a long way to go reach the target. 'We know that this is largely because of a huge information and understanding gap around how effective the vaccine as a cancer prevention tool. 'And that's exactly what the HPV vaccine is – the best chance of stopping six different kinds of cancer before they get a chance to start. 'We want to make sure that every young person eligible and every parent or carer, has the information and confidence they need to take up the offer of HPV vaccination.' Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Although we have seen some increases in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-pandemic levels, with over a quarter missing out on this vital protection. 'We urge young people and their parents to ensure consent forms are returned so both boys and girls take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered. 'If you missed your HPV vaccine, you can contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment – you remain eligible to receive the vaccine until your 25th birthday.' Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations at NHS England, added: 'We're urging parents of boys and girls eligible for a vaccine to consent to their children getting their HPV vaccines from nurses when they visit schools, as it helps protect against a virus causing cancers including head and neck, and nearly all cases of cervical cancer.' Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, added: 'The science is clear: HPV vaccination is safe and effective. It's vital that access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening is improved to ensure more lives aren't lost to cervical cancer.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Six things to know about the HPV vaccine and why it's recommended
There is a worrying "lack of awareness" about the HPV jab given to secondary school pupils, a charity has warned. Leading gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, has raised concerns over a dip in uptake figures in England combined with an "understanding gap" about the vaccine. Recent statistics show that HPV coverage for year eight female secondary school students was 72.9% in 2023-24, down from 86.9% back in 2017-18. Many people still aren't aware that men can get HPV too, as the vaccine for boys was only introduced in 2019. At one point, coverage levels for year eight boys reached 71% (in 2020-21), but have now dropped down to 67.7% The vaccine is vital because it protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which significantly reduces the risk of cancers caused by HPV. The jab helps to ward off six different cancers including those of the cervix, mouth, anus, penis, vulva and vagina. Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, said that there is a "worrying lack of awareness around HPV", adding, "Girls in the UK have been offered the HPV vaccination since 2008 and vaccination started for boys in 2019 – but in 2025 we've got a long way to go reach the target." "We know that this is largely because of a huge information and understanding gap around how effective the vaccine is as a cancer prevention tool," Lamnisos explained, highlighting that the HPV vaccine is "the best chance of stopping six different kinds of cancer before they get a chance to start." Tamara Kahn, chief executive of Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK, has joined The Eve Appeal to help raise awareness of the jab, adding that, "HPV is now the leading cause and fastest-growing risk factor for head and neck cancers." "This is a preventable crisis," she said, "HPV-related cancers are some of the few cancers we can prevent with a vaccine, and if we don't take urgent action now, the consequences will be devastating for thousands of more families." There are some possible side effects of the HPV vaccine which are usually mild and fleeting. These can include swelling or pain where the injection was given, a headache, a high temperature, dizziness, feeling sick and tiredness. More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare, so most people who are eligible for the HPV vaccine can have it (excluding those who've had a previous allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine). There's no evidence the vaccine is harmful if you're pregnant, according to the NHS, but sometimes you may be advised to wait until you're no longer pregnant before having the vaccine. The NHS considers it safe to have during breastfeeding. If you feel unwell or have a temperature, you should wait until you're recovered before having the vaccine. HPV can spread by any skin-to-skin sexual contact, including penetrative sex, oral sex, mutual masturbation and sharing sex toys. HPV is a very common virus. Often it has no symptoms which can make it hard to spot. Sometimes it will be cleared by the immune system with no problems, but other types of HPV can cause genital warts and some types can increase the risk of certain cancers (listed above). If you are 25 years old or under, you're entitled to the vaccine for free on the NHS and some people who may be at slightly higher risk – including men who have sex with men and people who are immunosuppressed – can be vaccinated on the NHS up to the age of 45. However, over a third of us don't know this. According to a new survey released by The Eve Appeal, 38% of adults said they do not know who is eligible for the NHS HPV vaccination programme. Two in five (40%) were aware of the vaccination programme for 12 to 13-year-old girls, but only 18% knew the jab is also offered to boys this age, according to the YouGov poll of 2,100 UK adults. Children aged 12 to 13 (in school year eight) can have the vaccine at school (or community clinics if they're home-schooled). Girls under 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006 who missed having the vaccine at school, should check with their school nurse or GP surgery where to get it. Men aged 45 and under who have sex with men, and other people at higher risk of HPV, can access the vaccine via sexual health or HIV clinics. The HPV vaccine works very well in reducing your risk of getting the virus, according to the NHS. The main barrier to receiving it is a lack of public awareness of who is entitled to it and how to access it. "We want to make sure that every young person eligible and every parent or carer, has the information and confidence they need to take up the offer of HPV vaccination," emphasises Lamnisos. Additional reporting: PA News Read more about HPV: HPV vaccine credited for declining cervical pre-cancer rates (The Hill, 2-minute read) This Country Has A Plan To End HPV — Here's What You Should Know About The Virus (HuffPost, 2-min read) Women with high-risk HPV more likely to die of heart disease or stroke – study (PA Media, 3-min read)
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Full list of cancers one 'life-saving' vaccine could protect against as millions missing out
Millions of eligible teenagers are missing out on a vaccine that helps to ward off a number of different cancers, official figures show. The leading gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, has warned of a dip in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which could help to protect against six deadly cancers. According to the charity, there is a 'worrying lack of awareness' about the jab. Health bosses from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are therefore urging young people to get vaccinated against HPV and parents to sign the necessary consent forms. READ MORE: Debenhams reduces 'fantastic' £545 watch getting 'many compliments' now £63 READ MORE: One benefit that could provide a free TV licence with over 100k new applications A survey released by charity has revealed 38 per cent of adults said they do not know who is eligible for the NHS HPV vaccination programme. Official figures from January show a drop in vaccine uptake, with the number of female year 8 students in England getting the HPV falling to 72.9 per cent in 2023/24, down from 86.9 per cent in 2017/18. For boys the jab was only introduced in 2019. Uptake reached 71 per cent in 2020/21, but has since fallen to 67.7 per cent. Despite the small increase in uptake between 2023 and 2024, officials warn there is 'a long way to go'. Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal chief executive, said: 'Girls in the UK have been offered the HPV vaccination since 2008 and vaccination started for boys in 2019 – but in 2025 we've got a long way to go to reach the target. 'We know that this is largely because of a huge information and understanding gap around how effective the vaccine is as a cancer prevention tool. And that's exactly what the HPV vaccine is – the best chance of stopping six different kinds of cancer before they get a chance to start. We want to make sure that every young person eligible and every parent or carer, has the information and confidence they need to take up the offer of HPV vaccination.' According to the NHS, HPV refers to a very common group of viruses that, in some cases, can cause genital warts or cancer. The NHS says you can get HPV from any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. The HPV jab is given to high school pupils. It significantly reduces the risk of developing six different cancers, including cancers of the: Cervix Mouth Anus Penis Vulva Vagina According to Cancer Research UK, 99.8 per cent of cervical cancer cases in the UK are caused by HPV infection. Some types of the virus are high-risk for cervical cancer, but others are low-risk. Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said: "The science is clear: HPV vaccination is safe and effective. It's vital that access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening is improved to ensure more lives aren't lost to cervical cancer." Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations at NHS England, added: "We're urging parents of boys and girls eligible for a vaccine to consent to their children getting their HPV vaccines from nurses when they visit schools, as it helps protect against a virus causing cancers including head and neck, and nearly all cases of cervical cancer."
The Independent
04-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New womb cancer test to be used in the UK
Women with signs of womb cancer can be offered a less invasive test to rule out disease, scientists have announced. The new test, WID-easy, uses some of the same technology used in Covid PCR tests. Traditionally, women with signs of womb cancer would need a transvaginal ultrasound scan or a hysteroscopy – where a tube with a camera in it is used to look inside the womb – to confirm or rule out disease. The new PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a simple swab, which is sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists then look for changes in the DNA that indicate whether womb cancer is present or not. If the test indicates that a woman has womb cancer, then the woman would need a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. The test, by University College London (UCL) spinout company Sola Diagnostics, has been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for women over the age of 45 who have abnormal uterine bleeding. Experts said that this means that it is immediately available to private clinics, and it is hoped that it will one day be made available for widespread use on the NHS. Analysis of the test, which was developed by researchers from UCL and the University of Innsbruck, was published in the Lancet Oncology in 2023. The study found that the WID-easy test detects the same number of women with womb cancer as ultrasound. 'The… test delivers fast results and shows improved performance compared with a combination of imaging index tests,' the authors wrote at the time. The test also significantly reduces the number of false positives, which could mean that fewer healthy women would be sent to have invasive hysteroscopy or biopsy procedures. Inventor of the test, Professor Martin Widschwendter, from UCL's Institute for Women's Health and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said: 'The WID-easy test is the first test of its kind in the UK – using a simple swab method to detect womb cancer. 'We are proud to have developed a test that addresses an urgent gap in women's health and performs well across all women.' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, added: 'Currently in the UK, the tests to investigate abnormal bleeding and check for womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort. The usual test is a hysteroscopy, which many find painful and invasive. 'A test which is less painful and more acceptable is to be welcomed by many. 'One of the key groups who may benefit from this test are Black women who more often receive a late-stage diagnosis for this cancer. 'The Eve Appeal is delighted to see this progress in research that the charity funded, resulting in a test that may be effective in the clinical setting. 'The WID-easy test could enable the many thousands of women who experience abnormal bleeding, and where cancer needs to be ruled out, to potentially avoid painful tests like hysteroscopies and have their minds put at rest sooner, saving them from unnecessary stress.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New womb cancer test to be used in the UK
Women with signs of womb cancer can be offered a less invasive test to rule out disease, scientists have announced. The new test, WID-easy, uses some of the same technology used in Covid PCR tests. Traditionally, women with signs of womb cancer would need a transvaginal ultrasound scan or a hysteroscopy – where a tube with a camera in it is used to look inside the womb – to confirm or rule out disease. The new PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a simple swab, which is sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists then look for changes in the DNA that indicate whether womb cancer is present or not. If the test indicates that a woman has womb cancer, then the woman would need a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. The test, by University College London (UCL) spinout company Sola Diagnostics, has been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for women over the age of 45 who have abnormal uterine bleeding. Experts said that this means that it is immediately available to private clinics, and it is hoped that it will one day be made available for widespread use on the NHS. Analysis of the test, which was developed by researchers from UCL and the University of Innsbruck, was published in the Lancet Oncology in 2023. The study found that the WID-easy test detects the same number of women with womb cancer as ultrasound. 'The… test delivers fast results and shows improved performance compared with a combination of imaging index tests,' the authors wrote at the time. The test also significantly reduces the number of false positives, which could mean that fewer healthy women would be sent to have invasive hysteroscopy or biopsy procedures. Inventor of the test, Professor Martin Widschwendter, from UCL's Institute for Women's Health and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said: 'The WID-easy test is the first test of its kind in the UK – using a simple swab method to detect womb cancer. 'We are proud to have developed a test that addresses an urgent gap in women's health and performs well across all women.' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, added: 'Currently in the UK, the tests to investigate abnormal bleeding and check for womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort. The usual test is a hysteroscopy, which many find painful and invasive. 'A test which is less painful and more acceptable is to be welcomed by many. 'One of the key groups who may benefit from this test are Black women who more often receive a late-stage diagnosis for this cancer. 'The Eve Appeal is delighted to see this progress in research that the charity funded, resulting in a test that may be effective in the clinical setting. 'The WID-easy test could enable the many thousands of women who experience abnormal bleeding, and where cancer needs to be ruled out, to potentially avoid painful tests like hysteroscopies and have their minds put at rest sooner, saving them from unnecessary stress.'
