Cervical cancer to be eliminated by 2040, under new HSE plan

At the launch of the HSE’s cervical cancer elimination action plan are cervical cancer patient advocates, from left, Bernie and Larry Brennan, whose daughter Laura died from cervical cancer in 2019, aged 26; Kim Hanly, cervical cancer patient and founder of patient support group Cervical Cancer Awareness Ireland; Stephen Teap, member of 221+ patient advocacy group.

Memories of Vicky Phelan and Laura Brennan were cited as inspiration when a new HSE plan on how cervical cancer will be eliminated by 2040 was launched on Friday. 

The action plan includes targets for increasing vaccination against HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer, boosting screening access, and improving pre-cancer treatment.

By 2030, the target is to have some 90% of girls vaccinated by age 15. Also by then, 80% of eligible women will be screened every five years, and 97% of women with cervical disease will receive pre-cancer treatment within a year of diagnosis.

Members of advocacy group 221+ welcomed the plan as a positive development.

Ireland is already on track to reach a World Health Organization target of having fewer than four cases per 100,000 of population by 2040. This is so rare as to be seen as elimination. Progress has already seen the rate drop from 15.8 in 2008 to 10.1 now.

Interim chief medical officer Professor Mary Horgan said high vaccination rates were vital.

She welcomed the family of Laura Brennan, who died of cervical cancer before the opportunity of vaccination, to the event.

Dr Salome Mbugua, chief executive of AkiDwA, a national network representing migrant women in Ireland, at the launch of the HSE’s cervical cancer elimination action plan.

“She was amazing as were many of the advocates and just to reflect that it was Vicky Phelan’s anniversary two days ago. We know how strong she was, along with many of our patients, as part of 221+,” she said.

“I was delighted to catch up with Stephen Teap today. So we are committed to promoting their legacies, promoting vaccines, promoting screening and facilitating widespread access, especially for our most vulnerable and marginalised populations.” 

Cork man Stephen Teap, whose wife Irene died from cervical cancer, said patients had been on “a turbulent and long journey over the years” since controversy erupted over screening.

“On a personal level — for someone who’s lost someone to cervical cancer, lost friends to cervical cancer and as a group we’ve lost so many, so many lives were changed — it is great to have a positive day like this,” he told the Irish Examiner.

“It brings together everything, it brings together what you can do with good working relationships, with a good positive plan.” 

Under the plan, patient and community groups will work with the HSE to raise awareness of screening and vaccination.

HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said: “For most people, cervical cancer is preventable. We know it is caused by HPV in over 90% of cases.

“We have the tools in HPV vaccination and cervical screening to prevent it.” 

The event also heard from groups working with the Traveller Community, migrant women and others who may be hesitant about screening or vaccination.