Bernie Carter
Assistant Director of Nursing, Marie Keating Foundation
Learn about HPV, its risks and prevention methods including vaccination and cervical screening. Join Ireland’s effort to eliminate cervical cancer.
Ireland has publicly committed to the World Health Organization (WHO) global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer. Elimination does not mean eradication but is defined as less than four cases of cervical cancer per 100,000.
HPV and prevention methods
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is very common with at least 100 different types. Around 14 types of HPV are considered high-risk for cervical cancer. At least 80% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime.
You can get HPV by having vaginal, ana, or oral sex with someone with the virus. It is also spread by close skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously.
- The HPV vaccine currently available in Ireland protects against the types of HPV that cause 9 out of 10 cervical cancers.
- Condoms can reduce the risk of catching HPV, but they don’t offer complete protection as there can be skin-to-skin contact outside of the condom.
- Participate in cervical screening if you are aged 25 – 65.
Vaccination against HPV
HPV vaccination is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active. It is recommended around age 11 or 12, but it can be given as young as 9. It is approved for women aged 9 – 26, but adults up to and beyond age 45 can get vaccinated if they wish.
Condoms can reduce the risk of catching HPV,
but they don’t offer complete protection.
Cervical screening
HPV cervical screening replaced the ‘smear’ in March 2020. This is a free service for people in Ireland with a cervix aged 25 – 65. Screening is offered every three years for women aged 25 – 29 and every five years for women aged 30 – 65.
HPV cervical screening is taken in the same way as the smear, but it is a better method of cervical screening and prevents more cancers.
Cervical cancer elimination
In 2023, Ireland committed to the WHO’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer. Ireland’s rate is currently 10.4 cases per 100,000. To achieve elimination:
- 90% of girls must be vaccinated against HPV by age 15
- 70% of women must be screened by age 35 and again by age 45
- 90% of people identified with cervical disease must be treated
The HSE’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy Group are working closely together to help make this a reality.