Scots at forefront of cervical cancer battle

Scottish schools are leading the way by implementing the UK's first immunization programme to protect female pupils from cervical cancer.

School nurses, other senior nursing professionals and NHS boards will be at the heart of the plan and will play a crucial role in delivering the potentially life-saving programme.

Girls in S2 - around 30,000 children aged around 12 to 13 - will be offered immunisation in schools across Scotland that will protect them against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - the primary cause of cervical cancer.

In addition, a "catch-up" campaign for those aged 13 to 17 will be implemented over a three-year period from September 2008 - a year ahead of the UK Government.

Anyone seeking further information should visit www.fightcervicalcancer.org.uk or call the NHS helpline on 0800 22 44 88.