10/10/2023

New Era For Cervical Screening In Northern Ireland

Primary HPV testing is to be fully introduced in a major boost to Northern Ireland's Cervical Screening Programme.

The Department of Health (DoH) has confirmed that they are on course for the full introduction of primary HPV testing, which is more sensitive than cytology-based screening, by December 2023.

Detailed work on implementing and testing the underlying IT systems is being taken forward as an urgent priority.

A statement from the DoH said: 'This will be a new era for the cervical screening in Northern Ireland. It should also help facilitate the removal of the current backlog for reporting smear test results.

"The findings detailed in the report published today by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust are clearly unacceptable.

"The Department is closely monitoring the actions being taken at Trust and regional level in response to the RCPath recommendations.

"We would assure women that Northern Ireland's cervical screening programme remains highly effective overall.

"It is essential that women keep coming forward for their cervical smear test when invited to do so. This will continue to save lives."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 December 2023
Full Primary HPV Testing Introduced In NI
Full primary HPV testing has been officially introduced to the cervical screening pathway, bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland. Between 2016 and 2020 in NI, an average of 81 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and there were around 21 deaths from cervical cancer annually.
09 June 2014
Women Urged To Attend Cervical Screenings
Over one in five women in Northern Ireland are failing to attend cervical screenings, which could lead to an increase in the number of cervical cancer diagnoses across the region, according to a charity. UK-based Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has said cervical screenings are seeing an annual uptake of 77.
23 January 2024
Women Reminded Of Importance Of Cervical Screening
Ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28 January), the Public Health Agency has issued a reminder to women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited.
21 June 2023
PHA Highlights Importance Of Cervical Screening Tests
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the importance of attending cervical screening test when invited, as it marks Cervical Screening Awareness Week. Between 2016 and 2020 in Northern Ireland, there was an average of 81 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 21 deaths annually.
10 June 2013
NI Women Urged To Take Up Cervical Screening Invite
Women in Northern Ireland are too slow to take up invites for cervical screening, amounting to the highest incidence levels in the UK for cervical cancer. The UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, is urging women in Northern Ireland to have regular cervical screening tests.