Cervical Cancer Rates in Ireland: Declining Trends Pointing to Potential Elimination by 2040
Decline in Cervical Cancer Cases Due to HPV Vaccination and Screening
Dr. Colm Henry, the chief clinical officer of HSE, reported that Ireland’s rate of cervical cancer continues to decrease. In 2022, the rate was 10.1 cases per 100,000 women, down from 15.8 cases in 2008.
Dr. Henry announced the HSE’s Cervical Cancer Elimination action plan, aiming for the disease’s elimination by 2040. This announcement occurred shortly after the second anniversary of Vicky Phelan’s passing, a CervicalCheck advocate. The event also honored Laura Brennan, another HPV vaccine campaigner who lost her life to cervical cancer.
The decline in cervical cancer cases is linked to HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and pre-cancer treatment. While elimination does not mean zero cases, the goal is to achieve four cases per 100,000 women by 2040. Dr. Henry emphasized that cervical cancer is preventable, as over 90% of cases are caused by HPV. The success of the CervicalCheck program, initiated in 2008, and the vaccination program is reflected in the decreasing cancer rates.
Dr. Henry stated that achieving the vision of making cervical cancer rare requires better integration of health services. This integration will make services more focused on patient needs.
Professor Mary Horgan, chief medical officer, highlighted that vaccination is essential for reducing cervical cancer risk. She urged everyone to participate in vaccination and screening programs to eliminate this disease for future generations.
Dr. Caroline Mason Mohan of the HSE National Screening Service noted that Ireland was one of the first countries to implement primary HPV cervical screening in 2020, accelerating progress towards elimination.
She also pointed out that benefits from these programs are not evenly distributed. While over 70% of eligible women participate in screening, almost half of cervical cancers occur in the 20-30% of individuals who do not screen regularly, missing opportunities for cancer prevention.
Dr. Salome Mbugua, chief executive of Akidwa, stressed the need for culturally sensitive health services to build trust among migrant communities in Ireland.