HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan dies from cervical cancer today

Laura Brennan, one of Ireland's leading  HPV vaccine campaigners, passed away today. Ms Brennan ( 26) battled cervical cancer  and died today at University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle ,according to a statement from the HSE. Ms Brennan’s campaigning has led to a surge in the number of young women taking the HPV vaccine. From Co Clare, Ms Brennan first contacted the HSE in September 2017 saying she wanted to advocate publicly for the HPV vaccine after receiving a diagnosis of terminal cervical cancer. Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society, Averil Power said:“On behalf of everyone at the Irish Cancer Society, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Brennan family on the sad passing of their daughter and sister, Laura." She said:“In the past year Laura showed tremendous strength and bravery in talking about her cervical cancer. Her selfless honesty inspired us all. Through her steadfast determination she influenced parents to make an informed decision to give their daughters the HPV vaccine and protect them against an illness which was to take her life.Laura’s legacy is already clear. In many homes across the country, parents will have her to thank for saving their daughters’ lives." While the Government is rolling out the HPV vaccine to primary school girls, and plans to start giving it to boys, there is a huge backlog for women  getting cervical smear test results. Some women are waiting up to eight months for their results due to failings with the system.