Dr. Colm Henry stated that Ireland's rate of cervical cancer is 'continuing to drop', with 10.1 cases per 100,000 in 2022 compared to 15.8 in 2008, attributing this decrease to the combined effects of HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and pre-cancer treatments. This data highlights the significant impact of public health initiatives in reducing cervical cancer incidence through preventive measures and aims to continue this trend.
Dr. Henry emphasized that 'for most people, cervical cancer is preventable', indicating over 90% of cases are caused by HPV. He underscored the importance of HPV vaccination and screening, stating these tools are crucial in preventing the disease and that the recent decline in cervical cancer rates is a result of the HSE's CervicalCheck program and the HPV vaccination efforts.
The Cervical Cancer Elimination action plan seeks to reduce the incidence to the WHO target of four cases per 100,000 women by 2040. Dr. Colm Henry explained that while elimination doesn’t imply zero cases, the goal is to drastically reduce occurrences, showcasing a collaborative public health vision that emphasizes both prevention and effective management of cervical cancer.
Professor Mary Horgan highlighted the power of vaccination as a protection tool, stressing that integrating services across the HSE is essential for patient-centered care. This integration will make services easier to navigate, further supporting the overarching goal of making cervical cancer rare in every community, ensuring effective prevention and management.
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