The Federal Health Office said on Monday that the disease was the second most frequent form of cancer among women worldwide after breast cancer.

More than 5,000 Swiss women are diagnosed with the preliminary stage of cervical cancer every year, and more than 300 of them contract the full-blown disease resulting in 90 deaths.

Cervical cancer is caused by the transmission of human papilloma virus or HPVs. Some types can cause benign skin warts while high-risk HPVs are responsible for more serious diseases such as cervical cancer.

The Health Office estimates that around 70 per cent of all sexually active men and women are infected with a form of HPV once in their lives, with the highest risk among Swiss men and women between the ages of 16 and 25.

Statistics show that half of all teenage girls in Switzerland have their first sexual encounter by 16. Therefore the authorities are recommending the vaccination well before they reach that age.

Without regular check-ups and smear tests, the disease can go undetected since there are no symptoms.

The Federal Vaccine Commission, which issued the recommendation on behalf of the Health Office, said the approved-drug Gardasil protected against two of the high-risk HPV types, which are responsible for 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

Health insurance

The Health Office has applied to have the vaccination covered by Switzerland's mandatory health insurance plan. It said a decision is expected shortly and until that time, the cost would have to be paid by the individual.

The Swiss recommendation follows similar moves by Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Norway, Luxembourg and Belgium.

Britain is expected to take a decision on the issue on Wednesday. Gardasil, manufactured by the drug company, Merck, has been approved in 76 countries worldwide. Experts claim the vaccination has the potential to reduce cervical cancer worldwide by two-thirds.

There have been campaigns against the vaccination in some quarters in Britain and the United States where it is believed the drug could encourage girls to become sexually active.

Swiss health officials say even though men are just as likely to be infected as women, it is not yet known if the vaccine is effective on them.

swissinfo with agencies