By Susan Donlon, Communications Team, National Screening Service
A community-driven action plan was launched today [15 November 2024] setting out the next steps that we will take to eliminate cervical cancer in Ireland.
Launching the plan at an event to mark Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, Chief Medical Officer, Professor Mary Horgan said: “My department is fully committed to reaching and exceeding the World Health Organization targets. We all have a role – as advocates and policy makers, in making cervical cancer elimination a reality.”
The HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry spoke about the positive effect of the HPV vaccination in young women now attending for cervical screening, with research showing a big drop in the percentage of cervical screening tests showing high-grade cell changes. Cervical cancer is largely preventable, he said, adding that Ireland is one of the first countries in the world on course to eliminate cervical cancer. “Through the HSE’s combined efforts in HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment, and the participation of communities, we can make cervical cancer rare in Ireland by 2040.”
The action plan recognises the milestones we have reached so far, having already exceeded two of the three targets set by the WHO to put countries on course for elimination.
Ireland’s rate of cervical cancer is continuing to drop. We are at 10.1 cases per 100,000* women, a drop from 15.8 in 2008. The goal is to reach the WHO target of 4 cases per 100,000, which would make cervical cancer rare.
Our vision now is to make cervical cancer rare in every community in Ireland.
Dr Caroline Mason Mohan, Director of Public Health, National Screening Service and Cervical Cancer Elimination Partnership Lead, said that although we have good uptake of screening (over 70%), nearly half of all cervical cancers occur in the 20-30% of people who haven’t been screened at all or haven’t had regular screening, so they miss the chance of preventing cancer. She said: “Equity is the overarching priority in this action plan.”
Dr Salome Mbugua, Chief Executive Officer with AkiDwA, spoke about the unique barriers that migrant women often face in accessing healthcare. “A culturally sensitive approach is crucial for building trust”, she said. “This means involving migrant communities in the design and delivery of health services, addressing their unique needs and values.
“Involving women means women feel seen. An equitable approach means everyone has fair and equal access to prevention and care regardless of their background. By working together, we can create a future where every woman feels empowered and safe in protecting her health.”
Local action – global impact
Community partnerships and community-driven communications are essential to reach underserved and marginalised groups. Our action plan will enable and support communities to lead locally, to achieve global targets. Communities connect people with person-centred public health services. They build trust. They innovate. They can shape and tailor the appropriate actions to meet their own specific needs.
Elimination is achievable, when we empower communities to lead.
The power of community action
A panel discussion focused on actions in our communities that support our journey to cervical cancer elimination.
Michael Healy, a community worker in Cork, spoke about his work supporting Ukrainian women to attend for cervical screening, and the support he received from the National Screening Service community champions health promotion project in getting access to information to help break down language barriers.
Dr Laura Fahey, a community medical doctor, works with a school immunisation team to deliver the HPV vaccine to students in their first year at secondary school as part of the HSE’s vaccination programme. “It’s a highly successful programme,” Dr Fahey said, “and it depends on the continued collaboration with stakeholders – nurses, schools and parents.” It’s important, she said, that we understand the barriers to uptake of the vaccine, and work to break these down to support parents.
Mary Brigid Collins, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, spoke about the value of the Traveller Primary Healthcare projects. Speaking about her work with the National Screening Service, Mary Brigid said the Primary Healthcare Workers played an important role giving health information, determining barriers and encouraging women to go for cervical screening.
Yvonne O’Meara, ThisisGO.ie, spoke about the patient-centred approach to developing an online platform for women affected by a gynaecological cancer. “The importance of the patient voice has led to its success,” she said.
Making history together
The plan is ambitious. With strong community involvement, it is achievable. By fostering partnerships and the inclusion of all communities, respecting diverse needs, and providing targeted and tailored resources, we can make it happen.
It's our collective action that will accelerate our progress. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from access to HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment.
Success will mean we make history.
Closing the event, Dr Colm Henry said the job now is to make cervical cancer elimination a reality, saying: "Is feidir linn" – Yes we can.
Take action now towards a future where cervical cancer is rare in every community.
#TogetherTowardsElimination
*preliminary NCRI data
- The National Screening Service would like to thank the choir from St Joseph’s Co-ed primary school in East Wall for joining us today to mark Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action 2024.
- Inclusive stakeholder engagement shapes national action plan to achieve cervical cancer elimination in Ireland