Study finds vaccination may prevent cervical cancer

EVIDENCE in favour of vaccinating young women and girls against the virus that causes cervical cancer has been strengthened by a study of more than 20,000 women.

The combined results of four similar trials around the world found for girls who have never had sex, the vaccines are 99% effective.

When the data from women who may have already been exposed to the sexually transmitted virus were included, effectiveness fell to 44%.