The Department of Health announced today the introduction of vaccines for schoolgirls against cervical cancer.

From 2008 September schoolgirls aged 12-13 nationwide will be given a vaccination to prevent the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Two vaccines have been developed and already approved in 76 countries, with similar schemes likely to follow in Scotland and Wales.

The jab will cost £300 for three injections over a six month period.

The disease is the second most common cancer in women aged between 15 and 44 in Europe.

Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer is caused a sexually transmitted virus - human papillomavirus. In some women, this virus can affect the cells in the cervix, transforming them into abnormal cells that can become cancerous.

The cancer can also be detected by a smear test, however doctors are concerned by the drop in the number of young women turning up to be screened. Read more: Cervical Cancer Risk to Women

"Cervical screening is very important because we can stop cervical cancer from developing in the first place. This is one of the few cancers that is preventable because pre-cancerous cell changes can be picked up before they have a chance to go to a full blown cancer. All women invited for a cervical screening test should make sure they attend.

Gwen Kaplan, Cancer Information Nurse at Cancer Research UK, says:

"If you feel worried or anxious talk to the surgery nurse or GP."