The ⁣Remarkable Impact of the HPV Vaccine: A Dramatic Decline in Pre-Cervical Cancer Cases Doctors in​ Ireland are witnessing a transformative shift in women’s ​health, thanks ⁢too the “incredible” impact⁤ of the HPV vaccine. ⁣Dr.Nóirín Russell, clinical director at cervicalcheck, revealed that⁣ young women with signs of pre-cervical cancer ⁢ are ⁣now a rare⁤ sight in clinics. “The ‌change is quite dramatic,” she saeid. As⁢ its introduction in 2010, the HPV vaccine has been offered to⁢ girls in⁢ their first year of ‍secondary school. This initiative ⁣has led to ‍a meaningful reduction in⁤ high-grade abnormalities among young women. “Before this, ‌one in 20 women​ aged 25 had a high-grade abnormality and were sent for colposcopy. So ⁤colposcopy clinics were full of young ‍women with high-grade​ disease,” Dr. Russell explained. “Now, it’s⁤ actually becoming ⁢rare to see a ‍25-year-old.” This trend, first identified in late 2023, highlights the​ vaccine’s effectiveness. “Because Ireland has really high coverage for HPV vaccination, high-grade pre-cancer abnormalities​ in 25-year-olds has fallen from nearly 5% down to 1%. It⁢ is indeed​ incredible, it is a ​massive reduction,” she emphasized. “If ‍they don’t‌ have the‌ high-grade abnormalities at the age⁢ of 25, they are vrey unlikely ⁤to develop them and very unlikely⁢ to ever get cervical cancer.” ‌ Dr. Russell paid tribute to the late Laura Brennan, whose‌ powerful campaigning inspired⁢ countless girls to get vaccinated.Brennan, who was unvaccinated, tragically lost her ‍life ⁢to cervical cancer. Her ​legacy continues‌ to drive awareness and vaccination efforts. Despite the‌ vaccine’s success, Dr. Russell urged women of all ​ages to attend cervical ‍screening. “It’s never too late to start screening,” she advised.“If you’re⁢ up to 65,there are benefits for you to attend.” HPV cervical screening was introduced in ‌Ireland in March 2020, and CervicalCheck recently offered one-off screenings for older women who had never been ​screened before. “In that cohort,⁣ there were a couple of hundred women who‌ had never been⁢ screened at ⁤all⁤ before, and in response to that letter ​— a ‍very bespoke letter — they had their first screening,” she shared. In another groundbreaking initiative, CervicalCheck launched a screening ⁤program at ⁢ Limerick ⁤Prison, the first of its kind in​ Ireland. Edel Muldowney,the chief nurse officer leading the programme,highlighted the challenges faced ‌by incarcerated women. “Our medical team didn’t include a⁤ trained⁢ CervicalCheck ⁤ sample taker. If women wanted cervical⁢ screening, they⁣ were escorted to a GP‌ practise by⁤ two or three guards. Understandably, a⁤ lot of women ‍declined,” she explained. The​ new programme,supported by ⁣trauma-informed healthcare,a female GP,and a gynaecologist,is already making a positive impact. “We’re starting from scratch ⁣with some women,they have so ⁢much on‌ their minds,and⁣ trauma can lead to resistance,” Muldowney said. “Many are also managing addiction, which is ‍a⁣ challenge. I’m very grateful to the CervicalCheck team here in Limerick, who ​continue to support‌ us.” The programme is helping women prioritize their health, a⁣ shift that‌ is both ​significant and inspiring. | Key‍ Highlights | |———————| | HPV vaccine introduced in⁣ 2010 ​for ⁣girls⁣ in first year of secondary school ⁤| | High-grade⁢ abnormalities in 25-year-olds dropped from 5% to 1% | | Cervical​ screening available for women⁢ aged 25-65 | | One-off ‌screenings ‍offered to older women who had never ⁤been screened ⁣| ‌ | First‌ CervicalCheck programme launched at Limerick ‍Prison | The success of the HPV vaccine ⁣and the expansion of cervical screening programmes underscore the importance of preventive⁢ healthcare. As Dr. Russell aptly put it, “It’s never too late⁣ to⁢ start screening.” Let’s continue to prioritize women’s health and build on these remarkable achievements.

The Remarkable Impact of the HPV Vaccine: A ​dramatic Decline in Pre-Cervical Cancer ​Cases

Doctors⁣ in Ireland are witnessing a​ transformative shift in women’s health, thanks ‌to the incredible impact of ‍the HPV⁤ vaccine. Recently, World Today News spoke with Dr.‌ Nóirín Russell, Clinical Director at CervicalCheck, about‌ the program’s success, the importance of⁢ preventive healthcare, and the groundbreaking initiatives making cervical screening more accessible. Here’s what she shared.

The Dramatic Reduction⁢ in Pre-Cervical Cancer Cases

Senior editor: dr. Russell, the HPV vaccine was introduced in Ireland in 2010. Can you ⁢share how it has impacted‌ cervical cancer cases ⁢so far?

Dr.‌ Nóirín Russell: ‍Absolutely, the impact has been quite dramatic. Before ⁣the vaccine was introduced,‍ we saw‌ one in 20 women aged 25 with high-grade abnormalities, which are often precursors to cervical‌ cancer. These‌ women‍ were routinely sent⁢ for further examination through colposcopy. ​However, since the vaccine’s introduction, high-grade abnormalities in⁢ 25-year-olds have dropped from nearly 5% to just 1%. It’s incredible to see how effective the vaccine has been in reducing these cases.

The Role of Laura Brennan in Raising Awareness

Senior Editor: The late Laura Brennan ⁤ played ⁤a pivotal role in promoting ‍the HPV vaccine.How has her legacy‍ influenced vaccination efforts?

Dr.Nóirín Russell: Laura’s story was both ‍heartbreaking and inspiring. ⁢As‍ an unvaccinated individual who tragically lost her life to cervical cancer, her advocacy work helped countless girls and young women understand the importance of vaccination.Her legacy continues to drive awareness and ⁣has⁢ been instrumental in achieving high vaccination coverage across Ireland.

the Importance of Cervical ⁣screening for All Ages

senior Editor: With the success of‍ the HPV vaccine, why is it still crucial for women⁢ to attend ⁢ cervical screening?

Dr. Nóirín Russell: The vaccine is ‌a preventive measure, but it’s not a⁢ substitute for regular screening. Cervical ​screening is ⁢vital for detecting abnormalities early, ‌especially⁢ for women ⁢who may‍ not have been vaccinated or who were vaccinated later in life. We’ve introduced one-off screenings for older women who have never been screened before, and the response has been ​positive.As I always say, it’s never⁤ too late to start screening.

Breaking Barriers: Cervical Screening in Limerick‌ Prison

Senior editor: CervicalCheck recently launched a screening program at‌ Limerick ‍Prison. What challenges did you face,and how is the initiative progressing?

Dr. Nóirín ​Russell: ⁢ The program at Limerick Prison is groundbreaking. Previously, incarcerated women who wanted screening⁤ had to be escorted to ‍a GP practice ‌by guards, which many found intimidating and declined.​ With the new⁢ program, we’ve brought trauma-informed⁤ healthcare professionals, including a female GP and a gynaecologist, directly into⁤ the prison. It’s been challenging,as many of ​these women are dealing with ‌addiction or past trauma,but the initiative is already making a important impact. I’m​ incredibly grateful to the team for their dedication.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Health ‌in Ireland

Senior Editor: What do you hope⁤ for the future of women’s health in Ireland,⁢ and how can ⁣we build on these achievements?

dr. Nóirín Russell: The success‍ of the HPV vaccine and the expansion⁣ of cervical​ screening programs highlight⁣ the importance of⁤ preventive healthcare. My hope is that⁤ we continue to prioritize women’s health, ​ensuring that every woman, nonetheless of her​ circumstances, has‌ access to these ‌life-saving measures. by building on these achievements, ‌we can create ⁢a healthier future for all women in Ireland.

Key Takeaways

From the dramatic reduction in pre-cervical cancer cases to the ‍innovative screening program at Limerick Prison, Ireland ‌is setting a powerful example in women’s health. ‌Dr. Nóirín Russell’s insights remind us of the importance of⁤ vaccination, regular⁢ screening, and ‍the need for accessible healthcare for all. As she aptly put it, “It’s never too late to start screening.”