Ireland is on a path to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
We can achieve this by making sure all women and people with a cervix have access to:
- vaccination against HPV – the cause of most cervical cancers
- cervical screening - to find HPV infection and signs of changes in the cervix
- treatment and care for those who need it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on every country to prioritise cervical cancer prevention and care for women living with HIV as part of its global Cervical Cancer Elimination initiative. The WHO recommends cervical screening and providing adequate treatment to all HIV-positive women as soon as they are diagnosed.
Cervical cancer and HIV
Women living with HIV are up to six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women who do not have HIV. Cervical cancer is considered an AIDS-defining illness.
HPV (the human papillomavirus) is the cause of most cervical cancers. While most people will clear HPV infection naturally within 1 to 2 years, women living with HIV are more likely to experience persistent HPV infection due to a compromised immune system. Persistent HPV infection increases the risk of cervical cancer developing.
The HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommends the HPV vaccine for men and women living with HIV up to and including 26 years of age. The vaccine is available at many HIV clinics and it’s free. If you are living with HIV, ask a nurse or doctor at your clinic for more information.
Cervical screening for women living with HIV
Our CervicalCheck programme provides free cervical screening for women and people with a cervix in Ireland.
Cervical screening is recommended once every year for women living with HIV.
If you have HIV:
- you should have a cervical screening test within a year of your HIV diagnosis
- once you have attended for your first screen, you should be invited for cervical screening every 12 months until you are age 65
- be pro-active about cervical screening - check the register to see when your next cervical screening is due. Book your appointment with a GP or talk to someone at your HIV clinic about annual screening.
It’s still important to go for regular cervical screening even if you have had the HPV vaccine. Some cervical cancers are not related to HPV.
Some people can develop cervical cancer between screenings, so it’s important to know the symptoms of cervical cancer and contact your GP immediately if you are concerned.
Things you can do to reduce the risk of cancer
People with HIV are now living longer due to effective treatment, so there’s an increased chance of developing cancers generally associated with older age which are not linked to having HIV.
Small changes to your lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer – improving your diet, getting enough exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Starting HIV treatment straight away once diagnosed, and taking your treatment regularly to keep your viral load undetectable will help to keep you healthy and well.
You can register for our other free cancer screening programmes if you’re eligible:
- BreastCheck: the national breast screening programme – for women aged 50 to 69
- BowelScreen: the national bowel screening programme – for everyone aged 59 to 69
Be part of eliminating cervical cancer in Ireland
Our vision is for an Ireland where cervical cancer is rare in every community.
We can all play a part in the drive towards elimination:
- get the HPV vaccine if you're eligible
- go for regular cervical screening
- go for treatment if needed.
#TogetherTowardsElimination
(updated 29 November 2024)