Information on national screening programmes and prevention.
Regular cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to help prevent cervical cancer. In Ireland, the HSE CervicalCheck programme offers free cervical screening to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 65. Screening looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause changes to the cells of the cervix that may develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. Detecting HPV early allows any abnormal cell changes to be monitored or treated before cancer develops.
If you are:
- Aged 25–29, you will usually be invited for screening every 3 years.
- Aged 30–65, you will usually be invited every 5 years, provided your previous screening results were normal.
Cervical screening is a screening test that identifies people who may be at increased risk, helping to prevent cervical cancer through early detection and appropriate follow-up if needed. Regular screening can prevent an estimated three out of four cases of cervical cancer.
Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, it’s important to attend your appointment when invited. Taking just a few minutes to attend screening could make a significant difference to your long-term health.
Find Out More
For more information about eligibility, screening intervals, registering with the programme or booking your appointment, visit the official HSE CervicalCheck website: