France is launching a campaign of systematic screening for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer. About 1,100 French women die annually of cervical cancer, and another 3,000 are diagnosed with the disease, which is preventable. Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer among women, the IARC said. “Unfounded rumours hamper the increase of the vaccination, which is crucial for preventing cervical cancer,” Dr Weiderpass said. The National Cancer Institute says 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases could be avoided with a smear test every three years.

Source: The Irish Times February 04, 2019 19:30 UTC