Cervical Cancer Campaign goes to Europe

11.28.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 25th Jan 2008

Local AM for Brecon & Radnorshire Kirsty Williams has signed up to the European Cervical Cancer Association STOP Cervical Cancer in Europe petition.

Kirsty said: "I was shocked to learn that every year, 50,000 women develop and 25,000 women die from cervical cancer in Europe. These figures are all the more shocking with the knowledge that effective cervical cancer screening can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancers.

"This petition calls upon the European Parliament, the European Commission and all National Governments of Europe to implement the effective organised cervical cancer prevention programmes that will provide the optimal protection against cervical cancer for all the women of Europe.

"It is good news that women in Wales and England are to benefit from the HPV vaccination programmes. However with 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer, 1,000 deaths each year, and declining numbers of young women attending for screening in the UK we still need further action.

"I am therefore also supporting Jo's Trust in their 'Pearl of Wisdom' campaign, encouraging all women to act as advocates for cervical screening so that family, friends and colleagues understand the importance of having regular screening and are informed and consider carefully when consent is requested for daughters to be given the HPV vaccine.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up to this important campaign at www.cervicalcancerpetition.eu and help save women's lives across Europe."