The Irish Cancer Society today welcomed vaccines that could prevent cervical cancer as "a historic breakthrough".
The Gardasil vaccine will be introduced into Ireland next month, and the Cervarix vaccine is expected next year. The vaccines will protect against strains of the HPV virus - one of the major risk factors for developing cervical cancer.
There are up to 20 different strains of the HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer. The Gardasil vaccine will protect against four strains, while a second Cervarix vaccine expected next year will protect against two strains.
Together the vaccines have the potential to prevent up to 70 per cent of cervical cancers caused by the HPV virus.
Ireland has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in Europe, with around 1,000 new cases of pre-cancer cells found each year. Of those, 200 cases result in cervical cancer with 70 women dying from the condition.
However, the society warned that it is vital all women aged over 25 continue to be regularly screened.
Jane Curtin, communications manager at the Irish Cancer Society, warned that even women who receive HPV vaccines should continue to undergo regular smear tests.
"Not all cancers will be prevented by this vaccine and it remains to be seen from the clinical trials programmes how long the protective effect of these vaccines will last," she said.
The society are also concerned about the cost of the vaccine, which will be about €300 per course. "Our research shows that only one in five women regularly get a smear test. What this means is that many women cannot afford it or have other priorities for their money or social welfare," Ms Curtin told ireland.com. "We think that we should be aiming for an equitable health service and so the ideal would be is a vaccination programme of all girls around 11-years-old regardless of income or status."
Ms Curtin backed the nationwide cervical screening programme announced recently by Minister for Health Mary Harney in the National Cancer Strategy.
"There is an urgent need for adequate preventative treatment in Ireland . . . screening recognises a pre-cancer state in the cervix. This allows for successful treatment before abnormal cells have the ability to spread and do harm. Cervical cancer is therefore wholly preventable through screening," she said.
Anyone with queries about HPV vaccines, cervical smear tests or cervical cancer can call the National Cancer Helpline confidentially on freefone 1800 200 700. The number is staffed weekdays 9am - 5pm, Tuesdays until 9pm.