20/01/2026
Public Health Agency Issues Cervical Screening Reminder
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Cervical Cancer Prevention Week to urge women across Northern Ireland to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited. Screening remains a critical tool in identifying early cell changes that could potentially develop into cancer if left untreated.
Statistics show that between 2018 and 2022, an average of 84 individuals were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Northern Ireland, resulting in approximately 21 deaths annually. Health officials emphasise that these figures could be reduced through increased participation in screening and vaccination programmes.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, explained that almost all cervical cancers are linked to persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This common virus is caught by roughly 80% of people at some point in their lives, usually via skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. While the immune system often clears the virus naturally, in some instances, it remains in the body for years, leading to health complications.
While screening significantly increases the chance of early detection, the PHA notes that it does not provide a 100% guarantee against future cancer development. Issues can occasionally go undetected, or cancer may develop between tests, which is why attending every scheduled appointment is vital for ongoing protection.
Dr McClean also highlighted the importance of being aware of common symptoms: "As well as attending screening appointments, we would also urge people to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, including vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause; vaginal discharge that is not normal for you; persistent back or tummy pains; and/ or pain during sex. It is also important to remember that cervical screening will not pick up other types of cancer."
Dr Jennifer Cullen, a GP Partner at Banbridge Group Surgery, added that while patients may feel anxious discussing such symptoms, GPs deal with these concerns regularly and encourage women to reach out without hesitation.
In addition to screening, the HPV vaccine plays a major role in prevention. Offered to Year 9 pupils as a single-dose injection, the vaccine protects against over 90% of cervical cancers as well as various other cancers affecting both men and women. The vaccine is available free of charge until the age of 25 for those who missed it during school.
Dr McClean concluded: "The HPV vaccine will help protect your child against HPV infection and associated cancers, including over 90% of cervical cancers in women, and cancers of the mouth, throat, anus and genitals in men and women, and against genital warts. When a young person receives the vaccine, their body will react by making antibodies that will help the immune system fight HPV infection. The vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cancer."
The PHA remains confident that high uptake of both the vaccination and screening programmes could eventually lead to the near-elimination of cervical cancer in the years ahead.
Please see the following websites for further information:
PHA site: www.pha.site/CervicalScreening1
NI Direct – Cervical Screening: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/cervical-screening
HPV: www.pha.site/HPVvaccination
NI Direct – human papillomavirus (HPV): www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv
Statistics show that between 2018 and 2022, an average of 84 individuals were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Northern Ireland, resulting in approximately 21 deaths annually. Health officials emphasise that these figures could be reduced through increased participation in screening and vaccination programmes.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, explained that almost all cervical cancers are linked to persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This common virus is caught by roughly 80% of people at some point in their lives, usually via skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. While the immune system often clears the virus naturally, in some instances, it remains in the body for years, leading to health complications.
While screening significantly increases the chance of early detection, the PHA notes that it does not provide a 100% guarantee against future cancer development. Issues can occasionally go undetected, or cancer may develop between tests, which is why attending every scheduled appointment is vital for ongoing protection.
Dr Jennifer Cullen, a GP Partner at Banbridge Group Surgery, added that while patients may feel anxious discussing such symptoms, GPs deal with these concerns regularly and encourage women to reach out without hesitation.
In addition to screening, the HPV vaccine plays a major role in prevention. Offered to Year 9 pupils as a single-dose injection, the vaccine protects against over 90% of cervical cancers as well as various other cancers affecting both men and women. The vaccine is available free of charge until the age of 25 for those who missed it during school.
Dr McClean concluded: "The HPV vaccine will help protect your child against HPV infection and associated cancers, including over 90% of cervical cancers in women, and cancers of the mouth, throat, anus and genitals in men and women, and against genital warts. When a young person receives the vaccine, their body will react by making antibodies that will help the immune system fight HPV infection. The vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cancer."
The PHA remains confident that high uptake of both the vaccination and screening programmes could eventually lead to the near-elimination of cervical cancer in the years ahead.
Please see the following websites for further information:
PHA site: www.pha.site/CervicalScreening1
NI Direct – Cervical Screening: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/cervical-screening
HPV: www.pha.site/HPVvaccination
NI Direct – human papillomavirus (HPV): www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 December 2023
Full Primary HPV Testing Introduced In NI
Full primary HPV testing has been officially introduced to the cervical screening pathway, bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Between 2016 and 2020 in NI, an average of 81 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and there were around 21 deaths from cervical cancer annually.
Full Primary HPV Testing Introduced In NI
Full primary HPV testing has been officially introduced to the cervical screening pathway, bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Between 2016 and 2020 in NI, an average of 81 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and there were around 21 deaths from cervical cancer annually.
09 June 2014
Women Urged To Attend Cervical Screenings
Over one in five women in Northern Ireland are failing to attend cervical screenings, which could lead to an increase in the number of cervical cancer diagnoses across the region, according to a charity. UK-based Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has said cervical screenings are seeing an annual uptake of 77.
Women Urged To Attend Cervical Screenings
Over one in five women in Northern Ireland are failing to attend cervical screenings, which could lead to an increase in the number of cervical cancer diagnoses across the region, according to a charity. UK-based Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has said cervical screenings are seeing an annual uptake of 77.
23 January 2024
Women Reminded Of Importance Of Cervical Screening
Ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28 January), the Public Health Agency has issued a reminder to women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited.
Women Reminded Of Importance Of Cervical Screening
Ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28 January), the Public Health Agency has issued a reminder to women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited.
21 June 2023
PHA Highlights Importance Of Cervical Screening Tests
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the importance of attending cervical screening test when invited, as it marks Cervical Screening Awareness Week. Between 2016 and 2020 in Northern Ireland, there was an average of 81 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 21 deaths annually.
PHA Highlights Importance Of Cervical Screening Tests
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the importance of attending cervical screening test when invited, as it marks Cervical Screening Awareness Week. Between 2016 and 2020 in Northern Ireland, there was an average of 81 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 21 deaths annually.
10 June 2013
NI Women Urged To Take Up Cervical Screening Invite
Women in Northern Ireland are too slow to take up invites for cervical screening, amounting to the highest incidence levels in the UK for cervical cancer. The UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, is urging women in Northern Ireland to have regular cervical screening tests.
NI Women Urged To Take Up Cervical Screening Invite
Women in Northern Ireland are too slow to take up invites for cervical screening, amounting to the highest incidence levels in the UK for cervical cancer. The UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, is urging women in Northern Ireland to have regular cervical screening tests.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.