Healthy UCD News, Updates and Resources
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Week of Monday 22nd of January, 2024
This week marks the beginning of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2024. This is a dedicated awareness campaign aimed at educating people about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of regular screenings.
Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease, and this week serves as a reminder to prioritise cervical health and take steps to reduce the risk of this cancer.
Having a cervical screening test is the one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer.
Who is eligible for cervical screening?
Women aged 25-65 years with a cervix are eligible for free cervical screening through (opens in a new window)Cervical Check.
You can (opens in a new window)register using your PPS number and date of birth, allowing you to book your free test. Once registered, you will automatically receive a reminder of when your next cervical screening test (formally known as a smear test) is due.
Once you are registered, you can contact the Student Health Service to book your appointment.
Know the facts:
- HPV (human papillomavirus) causes most cervical cancers.
- HPV cervical screening looks for high-risk types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.
- If the test doesn’t find HPV, cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer are very unlikely to develop.
- If the test finds HPV, the same sample is checked for abnormal cells.
- If abnormal cells are found, you will be referred for a colposcopy.
- Finding HPV and abnormal cells early is the best way to prevent cervical cancer developing.
- HPV screening is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to find out if you are at risk of developing cancer.
- Picking up early signs can lead to earlier treatment and a better outcome.
HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine protects against 9 out of 10 cervical cancers and most people only need one dose. Find out more about vaccination from the Student Health Service at UCD.
Find out more on the (opens in a new window)HSE website.