Expert backs jab as more effective than screening

CERVICAL cancer vaccination is more effective than screening for the disease, according to the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the agent that causes the disease.

Professor Harald zur Hausen directly contradicted Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s assertion in the Dáil on Wednesday that the Government’s screening programme was more important and more effective than vaccination.

Professor Harald zur Hausen said vaccination was “clearly superior” to screening as it avoided the need for therapeutic intervention.