Ireland is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, according to a progress report released today for the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.
The report also warned that misinformation about the HPV vaccine has lowered uptake among teenagers in disadvantaged areas. The vaccine protects against the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
A nationwide campaign launched last year aims to reduce cervical cancer cases to just four per 100,000 people by 2040, down from the current average of 11 per 100,000 annually. The Health Service Executive (HSE) urged the public to take part, emphasizing that cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and ultimately eliminable.
The report highlighted a school-based HPV vaccination program for 12- to 13-year-olds. However, it noted that teens in DEIS schools—schools in disadvantaged areas—have lower vaccine uptake compared with non-DEIS schools. Researchers linked this gap to the spread of vaccine misinformation.
A new research program is now creating tailored materials to help students in DEIS schools make informed decisions about vaccination.
The campaign has strong public support, including from Laura Brennan, who died of cervical cancer at age 26 in 2019. Brennan, from Clare, had advocated for vaccination, which doctors said could likely have prevented her illness. The HPV vaccine has been available in Ireland since 2010.
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Colm Henry encouraged the public to support the 2040 goal. “We can all help by talking to family and friends, posting messages on social media, or sharing posters in our communities and workplaces,” he said. “Together, we can encourage everyone to choose the HPV vaccine, attend cervical screening, and seek treatment if symptoms appear.”
Local community initiatives are also making a difference. In Cork and Kerry, projects work with migrants, Roma, and Travellers to raise awareness about vaccination and screening.
Patient advocate Vicky Phelan, who passed away recently, campaigned for better access to treatment and transparency around cervical screening.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill highlighted Ireland’s leadership in committing to the 2040 elimination target. The Women’s Health Action Plan has allocated €530,000 over the past two years to improve vaccine and screening uptake.
In support of global awareness, OPW buildings, including the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, are illuminated in teal today.
Dr. Caroline Mason-Mohan, director of Public Health at the HSE National Screening Service, praised the progress. “Despite temporary drops during the COVID-19 pandemic, cervical cancer rates have declined steadily since our screening program began in 2009. We remain on track to achieve elimination by 2040,” she said. Over 90 community champions have been trained to promote HPV vaccination and cervical screening.
The CervicalCheck screening training unit also provides specialized training for healthcare workers, including GP nurses, to improve participation among groups with historically low uptake.
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