Question reference: S6W-13909
- Date lodged: 13 January 2023
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 24 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to meet the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 targets on the eradication of cervical cancer by 2030, and whether it plans to publish data on cervical screening in Scotland, in light of it not having done so since October 2021.
Answer
The Scottish Government is continuing to take steps towards achieving the World Health Organisation’s targets to eliminate cervical cancer.
83.9% of S4 pupils in 2021/22 completed the two dose schedule for the HPV vaccine in Scotland. From January 2023, a one dose schedule will be introduced for all those eligible in the programme up to their 25th birthday. It is expected this simplified schedule will increase uptake further. One-dose HPV vaccine coverage is currently 91.5% for girls in S4. The Scottish Government will continue to work with Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Health Boards to maintain this.
Data regarding cervical screening uptake in Scotland is due to be published by Public Health Scotland this Spring, and efforts are on-going to improve uptake. We have awarded £456,000 to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to support campaign work on screening benefits. Additionally, in preparation for a potential UK National Screening Committee recommendation, the screening programme continues to lay the groundwork for introducing cervical self-sampling, which has the potential to remove some of the barriers which deter people from attending their screening appointment.
Finally, treatment of cancer, including cervical cancer, has continued to be prioritised throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent pressures on NHS Scotland. We are developing a new 10 year cancer strategy which will launch in Spring 2023, and take a comprehensive approach to improving patient pathways from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care.