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European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19–23 January)

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European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week: What You Need to Know

19–23 January marks European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, an important annual campaign focused on raising awareness about how cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination, screening and early detection.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it continues to affect thousands of women across Europe every year. In Ireland, cervical cancer most commonly affects women aged between 30 and 50 – but anyone with a cervix who has ever been sexually active can be at risk.

This week is a reminder to start conversations, attend screening when it’s due, and take action to protect your long-term health.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix –  the opening to the womb from the vagina.

Almost all cases (around 9 in 10) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common group of viruses passed through skin-to-skin sexual contact.

HPV can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix. These changes usually develop slowly over many years and can be detected early through cervical screening before cancer develops.

Who Can Get Cervical Cancer?

You can get cervical cancer if:

  • You have a cervix
  • You have ever had any form of sexual contact

Even people with only one lifetime partner can be exposed to HPV. In rare cases, cervical cancer can develop without HPV.

How to Reduce Your Risk

There is no single way to completely prevent cervical cancer, but you can significantly reduce your risk by:

1. Getting the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is offered free in Ireland to students in first year of secondary school. It protects against 9 types of HPV, including the main cancer-causing strains.

Even if you’ve had the vaccine, screening is still essential.

2. Attending Cervical Screening

Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) checks for high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer.

In Ireland, CervicalCheck offers free screening to women and anyone with a cervix aged 25–65.

Screening can detect abnormal cells long before they develop into cancer.

3. Quitting Smoking

Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to clear HPV. Smokers are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer.

Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, the most common is unusual vaginal bleeding, including:

  • Bleeding between periods
  • Bleeding during or after sex
  • Bleeding after menopause

Other symptoms can include:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Pain during sex
  • Pelvic pain

These symptoms are common and usually caused by non-cancer conditions – but they should always be checked by a doctor.

Why Early Detection Matters

When cervical cancer is detected early, treatment is usually very successful. Screening finds abnormal cells before they become cancer, allowing early treatment and prevention.

Never ignore symptoms – even if your last screening result was normal.

Take Action This Week

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, take time to:

  • Check when your screening is due
  • Talk to your friends and family about prevention
  • Encourage vaccination for young people
  • Speak to a doctor if you have any concerns

Small actions today can protect your health for years to come.

Supporting Women’s Health at Dooctor.ie

At Dooctor.ie, we believe in accessible, preventative healthcare. Our clinics provide doctor services, women’s health consultations and referrals when needed – helping patients take control of their health with confidence.

You can find your nearest clinic here: https://dooctor.ie/ 

For more information on cervical cancer prevention, screening and support, visit:

These resources offer guidance on risk factors, screening eligibility, symptoms and preventive steps.

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For more information about Dooctor.ie, please visit dooctor.ie or call 0818 010 999

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