Latest news with #pre-Covid
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Women at risk of ‘preventable' cancer due to ‘alarmingly' low uptake of ‘life-saving' jab, health chiefs warn
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) YOUNG women are at higher risk of a "preventable" cancer due to "alarmingly" low uptake of life-saving NHS jabs, health chiefs have warned. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are dished out to 12 and 13-year-olds and offer protection against cancer-causing strains of the virus. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Low uptake oh HPV vaccines in certain parts of the country leaves young women vulnerable to cancer Credit: AP But low uptake of jabs in certain parts of England is leaving young women vulnerable to cervical cancer and other forms of the disease caused by HPV. HPV is a common virus that's spread through skin contact, usually during sex. Most strains are harmless but some high-risk ones can increase people's chances of developing cervical cancer, as well as mouth, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancer. Around 13 high-risk types of HPV are known to cause 99.7 per cent of cervical cancers. Health bosses have made it their mission to eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040. But despite efforts to increase vaccine uptake in teens, the latest data published by the UK Health Security Agency (HPV) shows gaps in coverage in certain parts of the country, leaving young women in these areas at higher risk of HPV-related cancer. The data on HPV coverage in teens for 2023/24 showed that only 64.9 per cent of Year 10 female students in London had received their jabs. Coverage was also low for boys of the same age in the capital, with only 59 per cent taking up the offer for an HPV vaccine. Meanwhile, HPV coverage was highest in the South East for both genders - where 82.7 per cent of girls and 77.3 per cent of boys had gotten vaccinated by Year 10. At local authority level, Year 10 vaccination levels in girls ranged from 38.7 per cent in Lambeth, South London, to 97.6 per cent in Northumberland. Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases For boys, it ranged from 28.2 per cent in Lambeth to 92.2 per cent in West Berkshire. Cervical cancer rates are already 65 per cent higher in England's most deprived areas compared with the least, according to figures from Cancer Research UK. Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "The HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, is one of the most powerful tools we have for cancer prevention. "Every vaccination represents a young person with better protection against the devastating impact of HPV-related cancers and we must do more to ensure that no teenage girl or boy, young woman or man is denied that protection no matter where they live. "Although we have seen some increase in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-Covid pandemic levels "Over a quarter of young people - many thousands - are missing out on this potentially life-saving vaccine." The HPV jab is given to boys and girls when they are in Year 8, though some children receive it in Year 9. It delivers a significantly stronger immune response if given before the age of 16, though getting it when older as part of a catch-up programme still creates a strong response. 2 Anyone who missed their HPV vaccination, now just a single jab, can still receive it for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery. Up until recently, the HPV jab was only offered to girls. But boys also have an important role to play in helping eliminate cervical cancer by being vaccinated and not passing on the HPV virus when they become sexually active, UKHSA said. Jabs were rolled out to teenage boys in 2019. 'Beat cancer for everyone' Dr Ismail said: "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." Dr Ismail said any young adult up to age 25 who missed their school jab can speak to their GP about catch-up options. He also urged women to still attend cervical screening to ensure they are being checked for changes that could lead to cervical cancer. "Even if you've had the HPV vaccine, it's vital you still attend your cervical screening appointments when invited," Dr Ismail said. "Both vaccination and screening together give you your best chance of protection against cervical cancer. "Screening can detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer, allowing for early treatment and prevention." It comes after UKHSA warned earlier this year that over a quarter of schoolkids hadn't had their HPV jab. Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: "Thanks to the power of research and the efforts of NHS staff, a future where almost nobody gets cervical cancer is in sight. "This progress hinges on people's access to two life-saving offers - HPV vaccination and screening. Together, they give the best protection against the disease. "Beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, so I encourage all parents and guardians to ensure young people don't miss out on getting the HPV vaccine. "And if you receive your cervical screening invite, don't ignore it." Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: "The NHS HPV vaccination programme has already helped save thousands of lives and we need to go further to boost uptake of HPV vaccines and cervical screening to help eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040. "If we can ensure that almost every Year 10 girl in some areas is protected and extremely unlikely to ever develop cervical cancer, we need to match this in every part of the country. "It's vital for boys and young men to be vaccinated too. Rates in boys still lag behind girls and HPV causes thousands of cancers in men as well as things like genital warts."
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
New 'get vaccinated' plea as fewer people have cancer-preventing jab
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that variations in geographical coverage of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in adolescents across England is leaving young women in some areas with less protection against cervical and some other cancers As Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness week kicks off, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning that disparities in the geographical coverage of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among adolescents across England are leaving young women in certain areas with less protection against cervical and some other cancers. Despite the potential to eradicate cervical cancer, the most recent UKHSA HPV coverage data for adolescents in 2023-24 reveals inequalities in vaccination uptake across different regions and areas of the country: Studies have demonstrated that receiving the HPV vaccine before the age of 16 results in significantly stronger immune responses and greater protection against HPV-related cancers. While early vaccination is ideal, receiving an HPV vaccination later as part of the catch-up programme still offers robust protection against HPV-related cancers. For those who missed their school HPV vaccinations in year 8 and 9, catch-up options remain available and are highly effective. Anyone who missed their HPV vaccination, now just a single jab, can still receive it for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery; this also applies to boys born after September 1, 2006. HPV vaccinations are now also extended to boys in UK schools during years 8 and 9, aimed at safeguarding them from HPV infection and its associated health issues such as genital warts, head and neck cancers (which include mouth and throat), along with genital cancers. Moreover, by getting vaccinated, boys can play a pivotal part in the eradication of cervical cancer by preventing the spread of HPV when they become sexually active. Dr Sharif Ismail, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasised the importance of the vaccine: "The HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, is one of the most powerful tools we have for cancer prevention. Every vaccination represents a young person with better protection against the devastating impact of HPV-related cancers and we must do more to ensure that no teenage girl or boy, young woman or man is denied that protection no matter where they live." He also raised concerns about current vaccination rates: "Although we have seen some increase in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-Covid pandemic levels. Over a quarter of young people, many thousands, are missing out on this potentially life-saving vaccine, which protects not only against cervical cancer, but all young adults, men and women, against genital warts and some genital cancers, as well as mouth and throat cancers. "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. For young adults up to age 25, who missed their school vaccinations, please speak to your GP about catch-up options – it's never too late to get protected. "And it's important to stress that even if you've had the HPV vaccine, it's vital you still attend your cervical screening appointments when invited. Both vaccination and screening together give you your best chance of protection against cervical cancer." While the HPV vaccine provides excellent protection, attending cervical screening appointments remains crucial, regardless of vaccination status. Screening can detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer, allowing for early treatment and prevention. 'Uptake is unequal' Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: "Thanks to the power of research and the efforts of NHS staff, a future where almost nobody gets cervical cancer is in sight. This progress hinges on people's access to two lifesaving offers - HPV vaccination and screening. Together, they give the best protection against the disease. "Latest data reveals an unequal uptake of the HPV vaccine across England, highlighting the need for local authorities and health services to work together and improve access to these lifesaving opportunities. Beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, so I encourage all parents and guardians to ensure young people don't miss out on getting the HPV vaccine. And if you receive your cervical screening invite, don't ignore it." Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: "The NHS HPV vaccination programme has already helped save thousands of lives and we need to go further to boost uptake of HPV vaccines and cervical screening to help eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040. "If we can ensure that almost every Year 10 girl in some areas is protected and extremely unlikely to ever develop cervical cancer, we need to match this in every part of the country. It's vital for boys and young men to be vaccinated too – rates in boys still lag behind girls and HPV causes thousands of cancers in men as well as things like genital warts. "I would urge all parents to give their consent for their child to be vaccinated and it's important to remember that those that remain unvaccinated and have left school can still get vital protection by contacting their GP practice to catch up before their 25th birthday. With vaccination being just one dose, it is easier than ever to ensure young people get protection."
Fashion United
8 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion United
UK: Retail sales take a hit in May as consumers cut back spending
New figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have shown a drop of 2.7 percent in retail sales volumes during May, representing the largest monthly fall since December 2023. The decrease comes after a more promising April, in which volumes rose 1.2 percent. Sales were also down by 2.7 percent compared with pre-Covid levels in February 2020, and thus reached their lowest level since December 2024. In contrast, over the three months to May, volumes increased marginally by 0.8 percent when compared with the three months to February 2025. When compared to the same period last year, sales were up 1.7 percent. While food sales took the largest hit at 5 percent, non-food stores saw sales volumes drop by 1.4 percent over the month, mainly due to a decline in clothing and household goods sales. Textile clothing and footwear stores reported a decrease in sales volumes of almost 2 percent. This was even more significant online, where monthly sales dropped by just over 3 percent for such stores. This was compared to an overall 1 percent drop in online spending values over the month to May 2025. In a statement to FashionUnited, Matt Jeffers, MD, retail strategy and consulting at Accenture, said 'retail sales suffered as consumers continued to feel the squeeze from rising household bills and an extended period of cost-of-living pressure'. Jeffers continued: 'While improving consumer confidence offered a glimmer of hope, that sentiment didn't translate into spending and sales were the lowest in months, with food hit particularly hard. Fashion, household goods and big-ticket purchases all saw weaker performance, with many households opting to cut back or trade down. 'Some of May's softness likely reflects summer purchases brought forward into April, when Easter and spring bank holidays coincided with exceptionally sunny weather. But recent cybersecurity issues faced by a number of retailers will also have had an impact, disrupting stock availability.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
The Scots airport where your flight is most likely to be cancelled
New data has revealed the worst airports in Scotland for flights being scrapped before takeoff. The worst airports in Scotland for flight cancellations has been revealed. New data of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has detailed the number of flights scrapped at all main UK airport between 2023 and 2024. Aberdeen Airport ranked fourth in the UK and the worst in Scotland, with 2.7 per cent of flights being cancelled. Glasgow Airport was the second worst in Scotland. Over the 12 month period, 2.15 per cent of planned flights were axed, making it the fifth worst in Britain. At Edinburgh Airport, 1.19 per cent of scheduled take-offs were scrapped, ranking it 10th worst in the UK. The research by flight compensation specialists at AirAdvisor analysed data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It look at scheduled departures from the main 20 UK airports which attract high volumes of passenger traffic. The CAA defines cancelled flights as 'the non-operation of a previously planned flight, announced less than 24 hours before or after its scheduled departure time'. According to the research, the average flight cancellation rate in 2024 was 1.46 per cent across the 20 main UK airports. AirAdvisor's analysis found that the airports with the lowest cancellation rates in 2024 included Bournemouth (0.08 per cent) which had the least cancelled flights for the second year running, East Midlands International (0.39 per cent) and Bristol (0.66 per cent). Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, said: "Post-pandemic, we saw a huge boom in travel, with many airports and airlines simply unprepared for the surge in consumer appetite for journeys by air. They were caught out in terms of staffing and resources, which led to delays and cancellations spiking in 2022 and 2023, compared to pre-Covid levels. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "The UK aviation industry is still in something of a recovery mode after post-pandemic, however there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is reflected by the average cancellation rates at most major airports decreasing, which is promising to see. 'At several airports around the country, cancellation rates are still more than double the national average. These airports and their airline partners simply must do better. And passengers deserve better." According to Anton, travellers may be entitled to compensation if their flights are cancelled, depending on which airline they fly with. He added: "Fortunately, British air passengers are protected by comprehensive legislation that entitles you to up to £520 in compensation if your flight to or from the UK, or with a UK or EU-based airline is cancelled with less than two weeks' notice, depending on the circumstances that led to the cancellation. "If you've been affected by a cancelled flight, you can use a free compensation calculator to establish the compensation you may be due."
Newsroom
a day ago
- Business
- Newsroom
Primary sector firmly on China agenda despite education and tourism focus
Despite China's economic slowdown, primary producers are holding onto value by offering premium products that appeal to a Chinese middle class focused on health and wellness. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has touched down in Shanghai as China's booming economic growth is slowing. China is New Zealand's largest trading partner and took $21.5 billion of New Zealand exports in the year to March. Two-way trade totalled $39.1b during that same period. Luxon says there's still a lot of economic opportunity in the market. But some have described New Zealand as reaching 'peak China' and should look elsewhere amid a softening Chinese market, while others continue to warn of overexposure in some areas of primary exports. Ahead of this trip, which kicks off with two business-focused days in Shanghai, followed by the politics and foreign diplomacy in Beijing, Luxon told Newsroom his main objective was to help boost the lagging tourism and education markets. Though China is New Zealand's largest source of international tourists and third-largest tourism market, those numbers were still lagging behind pre-Covid levels. If Luxon were able to help New Zealand get 'share of mind' in those areas and help remove any policy barriers, then it'd be a success. Among the 28-strong business delegation were a strong contingent of tertiary education leaders, including Victoria University of Wellington and Te Pūkenga, as well as Tourism NZ, Māori Tourism and other organisations with tourism wings, such as Ngāi Tahu Holdings. And though the three-day programme would no doubt include visits to universities and tourism-focused events, the primary sector would also be a core part of the Prime Minister's agenda for the week with dairy, meat and produce-focused events. According to the latest MPI annual report, food and fibre sector exports were expected to increase 12 percent to $59.9b for the year to June 30, and a further 2 percent in the coming financial year. 'Food and fibre sector export revenue is performing well despite geopolitical turbulence, shifting trade policies, and elevated uncertainty,' MPI said, 'While some industries remain more vulnerable to external pressures, others are well-positioned to withstand volatility, ensuring overall sector stability.' Among those primary producer categories, dairy exports were expected to hit a record high and horticulture revenue was forecast to grow 19 percent, reaching $8.5b. This growth was primarily driven by the kiwifruit industry, with exports expected to reach $3.9b, after a record 2024 crop and forecasts for an even larger crop in 2025. Among those traveling to China with the Prime Minister is global kiwifruit marketing company Zespri. Zespri – the umbrella brand selling New Zealand kiwifruit around the world – has been exporting to China for 26 years, and in earnest for the last two decades. The last 10 years has seen a rapid rise, thanks in large part to the expansion of China's middle class. Now, Zespri is selling about 22 percent of its kiwifruit into China, accounting for 27 percent of the brand's global value. Chair Nathan Flowerday told Newsroom that although Zespri was a global brand, China was an important market. But that didn't mean there weren't challenges facing primary producers as they faced the country's economic slowdown. The primary sector food and fibre exports accounted for $17.9b of New Zealand's goods shipped to China, but a slowdown in economic growth meant prices were softening and middle-class consumers were needing to be more selective with how they spent their money. Beyond the slowing economic growth, the Chinese Government had also proven it was not above using economic coercion to hit back at countries making diplomatic statements or actions it didn't like. Though Australia had been hit hard by this in the past, New Zealand had only suffered isolated suspected cases of shots across the bow, including limited shipments of goods sitting at China's ports and a government safety notice to tourists travelling to New Zealand. Both came in the wake of the Huawei saga during the Jacinda Ardern administration, and in both instances the government denied they were in retaliation for New Zealand's refusal of Huawei 5G infrastructure. But the possibility China could pull that lever in the future underscored an added need for the export sector to diversify away from China, as well as maintaining a strong diplomatic and leader-to-leader relationship. In 2016 Zespri was caught up in a short-lived diplomatic spat over an investigation into the dumping of Chinese steel. Media reported that Zespri's China representative was warned by Chinese officials that New Zealand could face economic retaliation if New Zealand went ahead with the investigation. Trade Minister Todd McClay was trade minister then too, and apologised to the Prime Minister for not being better briefed about China's threat of trade retaliation. Flowerday said Zespri was well insulated against these possibilities. In regard to the potential for a diplomatic blowback, he said it was up to the Government to make its decisions. But Zespri's focus was on building strong relationships within China. 'China is no different to any other market that we treat with transparency and respect … to make sure that we've got really clear, open communication channels with our partners in the market. I mean, that's the best that we can do.' In terms of the wider story of a softening Chinese market, Zespri – like other food producers – was looking to offer a high-end, niche product that played to consumers' focus on health and wellness. 'We spend a lot of time and money to educate … our Chinese consumers of just the health benefits that Zespri kiwifruit provides to them.' So, although fruit prices in China had softened, Zespri products had managed to hold their value. Everyone wanted to live a healthy life, Flowerday said. 'They are choosing that over and above something else that they could choose in the supermarket, which they know is not quite as healthy for them.' The fact the brand was synonymous with New Zealand, which was a trusted producer of safe, high-quality food, also helped. NZ Inc would be looking to leverage that niche, high-quality, well-trusted brand while in China this week, using announcements and events in Shanghai to market innovations in the primary sector. Last week, during Fieldays, the Government announced a grass-fed certification scheme in a bid to take on global competitors. Though previous standards applied, the new certification sought to clarify how many days a year and what percentage of an organisation's stock needed to be freely grazing on grass to achieve certification. Then, that certification could be used as a point of difference – and quality – when competing with overseas producers that primarily grain-fed their animals indoors. 'This is about more than a label—it's a commercial tool to push into premium segments and stay ahead of competitors. We're relentlessly focused on improving the value of our exports and backing farmers,' McClay said. So far, Fonterra and Westland Milk Products had gained certification among the dairy sector. Both businesses – and a2 milk along with the likes of Silver Fern Farms, and industry bodies representing the red meat and deer sectors – joined Luxon on this week's trip to China. Another food producer looking to find innovative ways to set itself apart was Rockit – a company that produced 'snack-sized' apples. Rockit Global chief executive Grant McBeath said China was a key market, with growth in China reaching more than 50 percent per year. This trip represented a significant opportunity to grow brand recognition, build trust and accelerate growth, he said. While on the ground, Rockit would sign a partnership deal with Chinese fruit store chain Xian Feng, which had 2000 stores across the country. But having a coveted brand didn't come without challenges. Zespri has been involved in a legal stoush in recent years, after clippings of its Sun Gold kiwifruit were stolen and taken to China. The company that took the clippings was ordered to pay $12m in reparations, but didn't have the money to do so. Since then, Sun Gold – or 'G3' – kiwi have been grown locally. And in some cases, the local growers have slapped counterfeit Zespri labels on the fruit. Earlier this year, a counterfeiter of the Zespri kiwifruit labels was sentenced to jail for more than three years for their part in the brand fraud scheme. Flowerday said it was monitoring the growing of the G3 kiwifruit in China, because there was a risk some of this fruit could make its way into Zespri's distribution channel. There could be an opportunity in the future to partner with local growers, he said, but they'd first have to ensure the fruit was up to Zespri's safety and quality standards. The brand employs about 100 people in-country, which allows them to keep their finger on the pulse, properly understand systems and ensure connections are forged with the right people. Building relationships on the ground was key to success in any market, Flowerday said, but especially in China. 'It's all about respect.' And showing up. Last year, during his first 12 months as chair, Flowerday travelled to China four times. In the last decade, he's been there more than a dozen times. Though trips like this were an opportunity for well-established and new businesses to get a better feel for the local market, travelling together as a group on the Air Force Boeing-757 also allowed New Zealand businesses to connect and learn from each other – what's working, what's not, what trends are being established. It also allowed them coveted photo opportunities at deal signings and announcements with the Prime Minister. 'Being part of the New Zealand team, going up there, it's always just a great privilege,' Flowerday said.
