
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025
As Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025 begins, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect on Ireland’s progress towards eliminating cervical cancer and to emphasize the pivotal role pharmacists can play in achieving this goal. Ireland publicly committed to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer in January 2023 - one of the first countries in the world to do so. With advancements in HPV vaccination, screening programs, and treatment, Ireland is closer than ever to making cervical cancer a rare disease by 2040. Here, we explore these key strategies and their impact on public health.
The Roadmap to Elimination
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which accounts for over 90% of cases. Ireland’s roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer aligns with the World Health Organization’s goal of reducing cases to fewer than four per 100,000 women annually. Currently, Ireland’s rate stands at approximately 10.4 cases per 100,000, which translates to about 260 diagnoses and 90 deaths each year. By leveraging three critical pillars – vaccination, screening, and treatment – Ireland is working to significantly reduce these numbers.
The Power of HPV Vaccination
HPV vaccination is a cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention. Introduced in 2010, Ireland’s school-based vaccination program initially targeted girls but expanded to include boys in 2019. The transition to the nine-valent vaccine has further enhanced protection, covering seven oncogenic HPV types responsible for the majority of cervical cancers and two types causing genital warts.
Key facts about the HPV vaccination program:
- Vaccination is offered to boys and girls in their first year of secondary school, ensuring they are protected before potential exposure to HPV.
- In 2022, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) updated its guidelines to recommend a single-dose vaccine for individuals aged 9-24, with a two-dose schedule for those aged 25-45.
- Vaccination is also available in public STI and HIV clinics for high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men and trans women.
This proactive approach has already shown promising results, with a significant decline in HPV-related diseases and precancerous lesions among vaccinated cohorts.
Cervical Screening: Detecting and Preventing Cancer Early
Ireland’s cervical screening program, CervicalCheck, was established in 2008 and transitioned to HPV primary screening in 2020. This change was well-timed, coinciding with the first cohort of vaccinated individuals reaching the eligible screening age.
The current screening schedule includes:
- Regular invitations for women and individuals with a cervix aged 25 to 65.
- Screening every three years for those aged 25-29 and every five years for those aged 30-65 if results are normal.
Screening detects the presence of high-risk HPV and cellular abnormalities, enabling early intervention. Regular participation in the screening program is crucial, as HPV can be acquired at any time and may remain dormant before causing abnormalities.
Advancements in Treatment
For those with detected abnormalities, colposcopy services provide a vital pathway for diagnosis and treatment. Advanced imaging techniques allow specialists to identify and manage precancerous changes, significantly reducing the risk of progression to invasive cancer.
Treatment approaches depend on the severity of abnormalities:
- Low-grade changes are often monitored closely, as they may resolve spontaneously.
- High-grade changes (CIN3 or CGIN) are treated to prevent progression to cancer. Procedures such as ablative treatments or excisions target affected areas while preserving cervical function, critical for future pregnancies.
Ireland’s Progress and the Path Ahead
While cervical cancer remains a concern, Ireland’s commitment to prevention is yielding results. Uptake rates for HPV vaccination and screening are among the highest globally, and awareness campaigns continue to educate the public on the importance of prevention.
Achieving elimination requires collective action:
- Vaccination: Encourage eligible individuals to participate in the HPV vaccination program. Parents, ensure your children are protected by vaccinating them at the recommended age.
- Screening: Stay up-to-date with cervical screening appointments. It’s a simple step that could save your life.
- Education and Advocacy: Spread awareness about HPV, cervical cancer, and the importance of prevention. Support initiatives aimed at improving access to vaccines and screening.
A Call to Action
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, let’s reaffirm our commitment to eliminating cervical cancer in Ireland. By continuing to promote vaccination, participate in screening programs, and advocate for equitable healthcare access, we can protect current and future generations from this preventable disease.
View our webinar with Sinéad Cleary, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Colposcopy Nurse at Tallaght University Hospital, to explore HPV vaccination, the pharmacist's role in cervical cancer prevention, and strategies to boost vaccine uptake.
Together, we can achieve the goal of making an Ireland where cervical cancer is rare in every community.