Cancer Society welcomes new cervical cancer virus vaccine

The Irish Cancer Society has welcomed the development of a new vaccine that could prevent women from getting cervical cancer.

Tests have found that the Gardasil vaccine is 100% effective against two strains of a sexually-transmitted virus which causes the disease.

While welcoming the news today, the Irish Cancer Society also pointed out that it was only of benefit to future generations of women and women of the present were still at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Spokesman John McCormack said: "Women in the age group 25 to 60 should have national call and recall screening for cervical cancer.

"Despite many promises, there's been a complete failure to roll this service out to all women who are at risk."