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		Launch of First European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week Friday, 26th January 2007 Local MEP Roger Helmer signs manifesto The European Parliamentary Cervical Cancer Interest Group (CCIG) and the European Cervical Cancer Association (ECCA) have today launched the first European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (ECCPW) to raise awareness of cervical cancer and how it can be prevented in Europe. Each year in Europe, 50,000 women develop cervical cancer and 25,000 women die from it; when effective organised screening programmes can reduce cervical cancer rates by up to 80 percent. The ECCPW commenced with a workshop for patients’ groups and healthcare professionals from across Europe, the objective of which was to form a coalition that would speak with a united voice in advocating for the implementation of comprehensive organised cervical cancer prevention programmes across Europe. Today, new technologies such as liquid based cytology, HPV testing and HPV vaccination, if properly implemented within comprehensive organised prevention programmes, offer the prospect of further reductions in cervical cancer rates. The implementation of these programmes must be a priority for all European countries. Following the workshop, the participants gathered in the European Parliament where they were joined by MEPs, the European Commission and representatives of the Member States to celebrate the official launch of the 1st ever European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. At the launch, the STOP Cervical Cancer Manifesto, endorsed by 65 cancer societies, medical associations and patient groups, together with 30 MEPs, including East Midlands Conservative MEP Roger Helmer, was presented to Mr Philippe Brunet, Deputy Head of Cabinet, DG Health and Consumer Protection, attending on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Mr Markos Kyprianou. Speaking today at the launch, Mr Helmer said: “Clearly we know what needs to be done to prevent cervical cancer and it is an ethical imperative that the EU prioritise the transfer of knowledge among the Member States so that the countries with high cervical cancer rates can benefit from the knowledge and expertise that exists within the EU.” The European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection is currently developing updated cervical cancer screening guidelines, which are expected to be published soon.