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