Should we all consider getting vaccinated against HPV?

TD Richard Boyd Barrett is stepping back from politics to undergo treatment for HPV-related cancer. Should adults consider getting vaccinated against the virus?

The free vaccination programme aims to make HPV-related cancers rare.

Politician Richard Boyd Barrett made headlines last week when he announced that he was stepping back from politics to undergo treatment for HPV-related cancer.

Speaking on the Today with Claire Byrne show on RTÉ Radio 1, the People Before Profit TD described how he noticed swelling in his neck while he was shaving last October. He went to see his GP and was diagnosed with cancer of the throat. He is taking time out from politics to undergo treatment that includes radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and expects to make a full recovery.