The Irish Cancer Society has launched a campaign to eliminate all future HPV-caused cancers in Ireland.

HPV infections can lead to a number of cancers affecting both men and women.

This can include cancers of the throat, mouth, anus, cervix and penis.

The campaign has been welcomed by the family of the late Laura Brennan, who died from cervical cancer at the age of 26.

The announcement comes ahead of International HPV Awareness Day on Wednesday.

Irish Cancer Society chief executive Averil Power said: "Every day someone in Ireland is diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV, and more than two people die from this source of cancer every week."

"Devastating side effects of treatment for these cancers such as infertility and early menopause can last a lifetime.

"Here at the Irish Cancer Society we believe HPV cancers can be stopped in their tracks."

Laura Brennan

Laura Brennan's brother, Kevin, said: "The elimination of HPV-related cancers is now within our grasp, but more still has to be done.

"We're delighted that the Irish Cancer Society have made this their focus.

"There is huge scope to save lives, and that would be an amazing legacy for Laura's tireless efforts".

Cervical cancer survivor Kim Hanly wants as many people as possible to be vaccinated.

Kim Hanly | Image: Irish Cancer Society

She said: "I had to have surgery for a radical hysterectomy at 26 due to my diagnosis of cervical cancer.

"I can still remember the burning pain afterwards, and ever since I’ve had to deal with heart-breaking side effects including bowel issues and early menopause, along with further difficult surgeries.

"All this was avoidable; no woman should go through what I have experienced."

More than nine in 10 cervical cancer diagnoses come about from HPV infections - leading to around 90 deaths every year.

However, a recent Europe-wide report revealed that Ireland is in an excellent position to stop cervical cancer due to its strong prevention policies.

The latest available data shows that HPV infections are the cause of around 420 cancer diagnoses each year, which claim up to 130 lives annually.

Main image: Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power speaking at the launch of research by the Irish Heart Foundation into vaping flavours and packaging in 2019 | Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie