The European Union has endorsed a cervical cancer vaccine called Gardasil. British medical doctors say the vaccine could prevent about 3,000 cancers annually in the UK alone.

The vaccine will be administered to girls and women aged from nine to twenty-six. The Sanofi Pasteur-made vaccine works against human papillomavirus (HPV), which is said to cause cervical cancer, and also protects against cervical cancer caused by HPV strains 6, 11, 16 and 18.

A British Department of Health spokeswoman was quoted by the BBC as saying, "We are currently seeking expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization on the efficacy, safety and benefits that these new vaccines may offer."

Doctors believe that most HPV cases do not go on to cause cervical cancer. But women are advised to protect themselves against HPV by either having regular smears, or through avoiding unprotected sex and smoking.