Latest news with #healthcampaign
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Hundreds of thousands of young people urged to have vaccine that protects against cancer linked to oral sex
Health chiefs are urging the 418,000 under-25s who left school without receiving a life-saving cancer vaccine to come forward for the jab. The HPV vaccine, routinely offered to children aged 12 to 13 in Year 8, protects against human papillomavirus—a common infection linked to several cancers. Around 80 per cent of the population will be exposed to HPV at some point, usually through sexual contact. Children are targeted for vaccination before they have been exposed—with the aim of providing protection through into adulthood. In most cases the virus is harmless, but in some cases it can trigger changes in DNA that lead to cervical cancer, and cancers of the penis and anus. When someone performs oral sex on a partner with HPV, the virus can infect cells in the mouth and throat. The vaccine, which is proven in studies to be highly effective, prevents this from happening. Now, GP practices across England will invite patients aged 16 to 25 to get vaccinated via letters, emails, texts and the NHS App. Experts have previously warned that low uptake of the HPV vaccine is putting children at risk of developing cancer later in life. They believe this may be partly due to a misconception that the jab is only relevant to sexually transmitted infections—and therefore not necessary for children. In the 2023/24 academic year, 76.7 per cent of girls and 71.2 per cent of boys had received the vaccine by Year 10. Uptake in Year 8—when the jab is first offered—also rose slightly on the previous year, by 1.6 percentage points in girls and 2.5 in boys. The new push is part of the NHS's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, by increasing vaccine coverage and boosting cervical screening rates. It aims to raise uptake among girls to 90 per cent by the same date. Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England's national director of primary care, said: 'This vaccine is vital to our efforts to eradicate cervical cancer in girls and women – but it's just as important for boys, too. 'So if you're eligible for a HPV vaccination or are the parent of a child who is eligible, but didn't get the vaccine at school when they had the chance, I would urge you to come forward when your GP contacts you.' Dr Sharif Ismail, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency said: 'We know that uptake of the HPV vaccination in young people has fallen significantly since the pandemic.' This he warned has left 'many many thousands across the country' at greater risk of HPV-related cancers. 'This is a real concern as each HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, gives a young person good protection against the devastating impact of these cancers,' Dr Ismail added. 'We're calling on all parents to return their children's HPV vaccination consent forms promptly. 'This simple action could protect your child from developing cancer in the future.' He also urged young adults up to the age of 25, who didn't get the jab to speak to their GP about catch-up options, because 'it's never too late to get protected.' Public Health and Prevention Minister, Ashley Dalton, added: 'If you've missed your vaccination at school. It isn't too late. 'Don't hesitate to make an appointment with your GP. One jab could save your life.' The vaccine can also be given to those up to age 45 with immune-compromised conditions and men who have sex with other men. Previously children were required to get two vaccinations, but as of September 2023 they only need one new jab. The latest HPV vaccine, first introduced in England in 2021, is proven to be more effective. In the long term the jab is predicted to reduce cases of women's cancer by 16 per cent and HPV attributable deaths by nine per cent more than the previous type. Importantly, studies in England have shown that the HPV vaccine stops 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Expert tips to protect yourself from harmful UV rays this summer
Dr. Sapijaszko tells us about Merck Canada's Practice Skintimacy campaign and the importance of sun protection and early detection in prevention of skin cancer.
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Texas probes M&M maker Mars' resistance to removing synthetic dyes
July 16 (Reuters) - Texas' attorney general said on Wednesday he has begun investigating Mars, which makes M&M's and Skittles candies, for its alleged refusal to remove synthetic food dyes from its products. Ken Paxton, the attorney general, said in a statement that he issued a civil investigative demand for documents from Mars, as he examines whether the family-owned company violated consumers' rights through deceptive trade practices. Paxton said Mars has not fulfilled its 2016 pledge, opens new tab to remove all artificial colors from food products, saying it had removed "toxic" dyes in Europe but not the United States. "It's time for Mars to follow the lead of other companies like Nestle and Hershey by removing synthetic dyes from its products," Paxton said. "It's the right thing to do." Mars, based in McLean, Virginia, had no immediate comment. Removing synthetic food dyes and reducing Americans' consumption of ultraprocessed foods has been a priority for U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" campaign. Kennedy has blamed the dyes for health problems including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and cancer, though many scientists say more research is needed. General Mills (GIS.N), opens new tab, J.M. Smucker (SJM.N), opens new tab, Kraft Heinz (KHC.O), opens new tab and PepsiCo (PEP.O), opens new tab, as well as Hershey (HSY.N), opens new tab and Nestle (NESN.S), opens new tab, are among companies that have committed to removing the dyes by 2028 or earlier. Mars has said its consumers have different attitudes toward artificial colors in food depending on where they live, with European consumers preferring the dyes removed while other consumers prefer to keep them.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cancer campaigner dies after 14 years with illness
A woman who campaigned relentlessly for research into lobular breast cancer has died after living with the illness for 14 Susan Michaelis launched the Lobular Moon Shot Project in 2023 to fight for £20m in funding for research into the biology of invasive lobular breast Michaelis, from Horsham in West Sussex, had been due to meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday to press him on the died at home on 9 July, while wearing a Lobular Moon Shot Project t-shirt, with her husband, Tristan, and close friends. Dr Michaelis had completed a degree in marketing, though her dream was to become a saved enough money to become a private pilot, then pilot teacher before making it as an airline pilot, flying to remote communities in the challenging terrain of the Northern Territory of in 1997, Dr Michaelis collapsed mid-flight. She lost her medical certificate and never flew as an airline pilot again, but contributed to the Australian Senate carrying out an investigation and went on to become an air accident her injuries sustained as an airline pilot, Dr Michaelis completed Half Ironman triathlons and became the first Australian to receive a British Citizen Award for her work in aviation being diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, she set about campaigning for research into the illness, which she said was "just not being done".Lobular cancer makes up 15% of all breast cancer cases, but campaigners say it is under-studied and rarely recognised due to rarely forming a lump in the same way as other breast differs from more common forms of breast cancer in that it begins in the milk-producing lobule glands, as opposed to 70-80% of breast last month, Dr Michaelis was one of 22 women to take part in a vigil outside Downing Street, representing the 22 women who are diagnosed with the disease every year, a rose named the Dr Susan Michaelis Rose was launched by Harkness Roses at the Chelsea Flower meeting with Mr Streeting on Monday will still go ahead, with Dr Michaelis's husband and the Lobular Moon Shot Project continuing her work.
Zawya
13-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Vaccination against cholera brings hope to more than 2 million Angolans
A new round of the oral vaccination campaign against cholera was officially launched this Saturday in the municipality of Cafunfo, Lunda Norte province, an initiative of the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Health, with the support of GAVI - Global Alliance for Vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the European Union and other partners in the health sector. The campaign plans to vaccinate more than 2 million people in the most affected municipalities in the provinces of Cabinda, Kwanza Sul, Huíla, Lunda Norte, Namibe and Zaire - regions where there is currently active transmission of the disease. The campaign started simultaneously in all the provinces covered, with teams on the ground starting vaccination activities at fixed posts and through door-to-door visits. At the launch, the Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, called on everyone to get involved: 'Everyone has to take part in this war against cholera, we're almost there, there's just a little bit left and if we all work together we'll be able to get rid of cholera in Angola.' The minister also highlighted the strengthening of the response capacity thanks to the support of partners: "Through our partners, we managed to get around 1 million vaccines in the first and second rounds. Now we've got 2 million vaccines that will allow us to increase coverage and protect even more people." The vaccine used in this round is Euvichol-S, an oral, single-dose vaccine donated by Gavi and distributed via the international mechanism coordinated by the International Coordination Group (ICG). The campaign involves 942 vaccination teams, made up of vaccinators, mobilizers and supervisors, who will work at fixed posts and also through door-to-door visits. All people aged one year and over will be vaccinated, as part of an integrated response that includes epidemiological surveillance, access to drinking water, sanitation, risk communication and case management. During the ceremony, the WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, highlighted the role of the vaccine in protecting communities, but recalled that it must be complemented by other structural measures: "The oral vaccine is a strong tool in our hands, in each campaign we stop the transmission of cholera by reinforcing the vital shield of protection for communities. But the vaccine alone is not enough, we must remain vigilant. The fight against cholera is also about sustainable investment in water, sanitation and hygiene. Only in this way will we cut cholera in the long term." In the beneficiary neighborhoods, the mood is hopeful. After months of fear and uncertainty, the arrival of the vaccine represents a concrete response and essential protection, especially for the most vulnerable families. Verónica Domingos Ferreira, who lives in the municipality of Kikombo, Kwanza Sul, was one of the people vaccinated. After seeing her neighbors fall ill months ago, she decided to seek information and protect her family. Today, she is relieved: "I'm very grateful. Today I got vaccinated and I vaccinated my children. This vaccine is a blessing. Now I feel that my family is better protected." With actions like this, Angola is strengthening its capacity to respond to outbreaks and reaffirming its commitment to the health and dignity of its communities. The campaign will continue in the coming days, with calls for the active participation of the entire population. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Angola.
