Cervical cancer vaccines raise hopes

NEW vaccines against cervical cancer have been described as a historic breakthrough by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

But the ICS pointed out that even with the imminent availability of the vaccines, it was vital that all women aged 25 or more have regular smear tests.

A vaccine called Gardasil is due to come on the market next month while a second vaccine, known as Cevarix, is expected to be available towards the middle of next year.