Schoolgirls offered 'cancer jab'

Human papilloma virus can be sexually-transmitted

Vaccinations against the virus which causes cervical cancer are to be offered to more than 6,000 teenage girls in Somerset.

Healthcare bosses believe the UK-wide scheme could save hundreds of lives.

Most cases are thought to be caused by infection from human papilloma virus which can be sexually-transmitted.

Somerset Primary Care Trust will begin the programme by sending letters to parents of 12 and 13-year-olds next week asking for consent.

The vaccinations would most likely be done in schools and the programme is expected to be rolled out to girls up to the age of 18.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is said to be responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases, a disease which kills 274,000 women worldwide every year, including 1,120 in the UK.