Health Committee Chair welcomes availability of cervical cancer vaccine

The Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Sean Ó Feargháil has welcomed the news that colorectal cancer screening and the cervical cancer vaccine are to start under the Government’s Cancer Control Programme.

“This news that the Government’s Cancer Control Programme is to be extended is very welcome.”

“The Cancer Control Programme was set up by the Government in 2006 and was re-emphasised in the Renewed Programme for Government so it is good to see these developments.”

“Three significant initiatives were announced today including New Quality Assurance Standards for the development of the existing Cervical Check programme; the commencement of preparatory work on a National Colorectal Screening Service and the beginning this year HPV vaccination programme for all girls in the first year of secondary school.”

“The new Quality Assurance Standards for Cervical Check will incorporate new standards to bring the service to top levels.”

“Colorectal screening is critically important for men and women around the country and will allow for the early detection of cancer, improve treatment outcomes and the detection of pre-cancerous growths.”

“The HPV vaccine will now be offered to all girls in first year in school. This has been made possible by intensive negotiations on the part of the Government which ensured that the price of the vaccine was made far more affordable.”

“Despite budgetary constraints the Government continues to prioritise the Cancer Control Programme which will have very positive outcomes. The Government is getting the best value for money to ensure that the best cancer control service is put into place,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.