Cervical cancer vaccine approved

A cervical cancer vaccine has become the first to receive a European licence, paving the way for an immunisation campaign in Britain. Gardasil could prevent up to 3,000 cases of the disease a year in the UK.

Gardasil, made by the drugs giant Sanofi Pasteur, protects against four strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause changes in cells that lead to cervical cancer. The virus is sexually transmitted and up to 80 per cent of women will contract the infection at some stage in their lives.

The vaccine has to be given to girls before they are sexually active. Experts say the best age is nine, but some family campaigners believe the vaccine could trigger unsafe sexual behaviour in teenagers who believe they are protected from other diseases as well.

Cervical cancer kills 274,000 women every year, including 1,120 in the UK. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will review evidence and advise the Department of Health whether Gardasil should be available on the NHS.

A spokeswoman for the department said: "Research has suggested that HP vaccines may provide real benefit. No decisions will be taken until the JCVI present their recommendations to ministers for consideration."

Several companies are developing vaccines. GlaxoSmithKline, which is based in Britain, is hoping for EU approval of its vaccine, Cervarix, within 12 months.