Cervical Cancer Prevention Week highlights importance of vaccination and screening
This week marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19-25 January), and organisations across Ireland are calling on everyone to take the necessary precautions to prevent it.
While it is currently Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, January is also Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so it is important to put increasing attention on what can be a preventable cancer.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), which means that by preventing and treating HPV, women can prevent it before it develops.
One of the most important ways that someone can prevent cervical cancer is through early vaccination, and in Ireland, people can avail of an HPV vaccination for free.
The evidence for early vaccination is clear. Research shows that girls who had a vaccination in school have a 60% lower rate of serious pre-cancerous changes by the time of their first screening test at 25 years old.
The HSE recommends further cervical screening and treatment to add an extra layer of protection. This screening has so far helped prevent around 5000 cervical cancers, just from catching and treating abnormal cells in time.
Along with all of this, it is very important to remain vigilant when it comes to symptoms and always act early if you feel something is not right.
Not all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, which means that screening may not always help.
Symptoms that are important to keep in mind are: abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge and pelvic or lower back pain.
Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Director of the HSE National Immunisation Office, spoke about the benefits of receiving a vaccine for HPV.
She said: “The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect young people from HPV-related cancers later in life, including cervical cancer.
“HPV infection is common, and vaccination plays a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer. I would strongly encourage parents and guardians to take up the HPV vaccine for their children through the routine school immunisation programme.
“The Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme also provides an important opportunity for young people who may have missed their earlier vaccination to get protected.”
Client Director for CervicalCheck, Nóirín Russell, said: “Nearly 250 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland every year.
“Half of these are found through screening. Many more women have abnormal, pre-cancerous changes found and treated through screening.
“We want to get to a place where most cervical cancers are stopped before they ever start.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we have. This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, I’m asking everyone to start a conversation and support a woman or girl, daughter or parent, partner or friend to take an important step to protect their own health by choosing HPV vaccination and screening.”
So, this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and for the rest of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, why not encourage all the ladies in your life to become more aware of the preventative measures in place to help battle this cancer?