A new online survey is now available for the public to capture ideas and views about Ireland’s next steps on the road to Cervical Cancer Elimination.
Why we are doing the survey
Ireland is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. The Cervical Cancer Elimination Partnership is now developing a national action plan to ensure we reach that target.
Cervical cancer is preventable, and treatable if found at an early stage. We know that HPV causes most cervical cancers. We can prevent it with the HPV vaccination, HPV cervical screening and timely access to treatment for those who need it. We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from vaccination, screening and treatment services.
Some groups of people are more affected by cervical cancer and experience higher rates of illness and death than the general population. How can we close these gaps? How can we reduce these inequities? How can we ensure that everyone benefits from the elimination of cervical cancer?
Your ideas and views, and your own experience, will make a valuable contribution to the action plan to ensure we leave no one behind.
Who is the survey for?
It’s for you! Everyone is invited to take part.
We want to hear from anyone over the age of 18 including:
- parents, teachers, patient representatives and carers
- advocacy groups, cancer support organisations, health and community-based services
- LGBTQ+ groups, Traveller health projects, migrant groups, schools and youth organisations
- medical professionals including GPs, primary care services and public health departments
- any person or organisation involved in health service delivery and health promotion.
Whoever you are, wherever you live or work in Ireland, we want to hear from you.
What questions are asked in the survey?
You’ll be asked a few background questions before viewing a short video explaining cervical cancer elimination. You’ll then be asked some questions about the HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and your ideas about eliminating cervical cancer in Ireland.
The information you provide in the survey will be used to develop the action plan which will be published later this year. You’ll also be given an opportunity to volunteer to take part in follow-up focus groups and workshops to develop the national action plan.
How to take part in the survey
The survey is available online. It will take about 5 minutes to complete the survey depending on the length of your answers. Taking part in the survey is voluntary. All responses are anonymous and confidential.
A national action plan for a global movement
Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to set a target date to eliminate cervical cancer. It’s part of a call to action by the World Health Organization for every country to step up and prioritise women’s health to reach vaccination, screening and treatment targets. The world is ready to eliminate a cancer for the first time.
We can enjoy a future largely free from cervical cancer. You can be part of making that happen. In 16 short years you can tell your daughters, your granddaughters, your nieces, friends and work colleagues that you were part of eliminating cervical cancer in Ireland.
#TogetherTowardsElimination
- The online survey is conducted by independent research company Quality Matters on behalf of the HSE.
- The survey will be available online until 5pm on Friday 5 April 2024. Anyone over the age of 18 can take part in the survey.
- The HSE’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy Group is comprised of the Department of Health, HSE’s National Screening Service, National Immunisation Office and National Cancer Control Programme, National Women and Infants Health Programme, National Cancer Registry of Ireland, patient advocates, Marie Keating Foundation and Irish Cancer Society.
- Follow the conversation online: #TogetherTowardsElimination