HPV and Cervical Cancer Starter and Large Group Stimulus Presentation This campaign has been produced by The Royal Society of Health with funding from Sanofi Pasteur MSD. Sanofi Pasteur MSD has reviewed this article / item for accuracy. Editorial control remains with The Royal Society of Health. Correct at time of print July 2008.

INFORMATION NOTES FOR PRESENTER Positioning Cervical Cancer Vaccination Programme in schools – The Background. This presentation has been developed by a school nurse. It is intended to be used as a year group assembly presentation (for girls) in advance of them receiving the cervical cancer vaccination. The presentation has been designed to be adapted by individual presenters to suit the audience and circumstance. Key areas of change are suggested and highlighted within the presentation in red italic text.

HPV and Cervical Cancer HPV and Cervical Cancer What you need to know Insert presenter name here

Only occurs in females Almost always caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 2 nd most common cancer in women under 35 Cervix – opening to the uterus CERVICAL CANCER

What is the Cervix? The cervix is the lower end of the uterus, where it opens into the vagina. The cervix undergoes changes in shape and structure during the course of a woman’s life (puberty, labour and menopause).

How are Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer related? Human papillomavirus is common; most women will become infected in their lifetime. Most infections have no noticeable symptoms and over 90% of infections are cleared by the body’s immune system within a year. There are over 100 types of HPV but only 13 of them are known to cause cervical cancer. If the body does not clear the infection, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix.

No symptoms / silent virus Contagious and transmitted through skin to skin genital contact Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV and other types can cause genital warts HPV is very common HPV

What can we do to help prevent Cervical Cancer? Ages England25-64 years Northern Ireland years Scotland20-60 years Wales20-64 years Immunisation / Vaccination Girls have a course of 3 injections (at school) which will protect them from the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Screening / Checking From the age of 25 in England and Northern Ireland, 20 in Scotland and Wales women are regularly screened for cervical changes.

Vaccines help protect you against many diseases Vaccines are given to people by doctors, nurses or health administrators Vaccines contain antibodies that fight against specific diseases Some vaccines are injected, like the HPV vaccine. Some can be taken by mouth like the polio vaccine Vaccines

Immunisation in School A team of nurses / health professionals will be coming into school very soon to give (year group) girls their injections. Girls will need 3 injections in total. 1 every couple of months. These injections will protect girls against certain types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancer.

Immunisation in School When Where

What will happen on the day? Insert details here of planned logistics

Things to Remember Take your consent form home for your parent / carer to sign. Return consent form promptly by the return date (insert date here). Please wear loose fitting / short-sleeved school shirt, or T-shirt under your shirt, to enable easy access to the top of your arm, on each of the three days.

Things to Remember Don’t worry! Prevention is better than cure! Don’t believe rumours, talk to your school nurse or teacher. Drop in sessions available to discuss any concerns / rumours.

OPPORTUNITY TO HAND OUT LEAFLETS The Royal Society of Health HPV and Cervical Cancer – The Basics Leaflet, available to download from Arm Against Cervical Cancer, NHS Q&A Fact Sheet available from Additional supporting slide for HPV follows if required

What are the different types of Human Papillomavirus? There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus. Most of the them are relatively harmless, like the ones that cause common warts found on hands and feet. A few are responsible for diseases such as cervical cancer and genital warts.