Numbers screened for cervical cancer in Cork fell by 20%

The number of women in Cork screened for cervical cancer fell by more than 20% between 2023 and 2024, but last year’s figures show a slight increase.

In Cork, 29,353 women were screened for cervical cancer in 2023, falling to 23,260 in 2024.

From January to September 2025, there were 19,781 women screened, showing a slight increase on the monthly average from 2024.

The data was provided to Labour TD Mark Wall in response to a parliamentary question, and showed that the decrease between 2023 and 2024, as well as the slight increase in the first nine months of 2025 was a pattern across Ireland.

However, the almost 21% decrease in Cork between 2023 and 2024 was greater than the national average of 18%.

Free screening

CervicalCheck offers free primary HPV cervical screening every three years to those aged 25 to 29; and every five years to those aged 30 to 65 years.

Once people receive their invitation letter, they can make an appointment with a registered sample taker.

There are more than 6,000 doctors or nurses registered with CervicalCheck in GP practices, women’s health, family planning, and Well-Woman clinics nationwide.

Cork Labour senator Laura Harmon said Ireland was one of the first countries to commit to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040, in line the World Heath Organization initiative.

“We need to exhaust all possible avenues to eliminate cervical cancer in this country. It is vital that we encourage young boys and men to get the HPV vaccine available to them at schools and via catch-up programmes.

“Reducing transmission of HPV can work to reduce cervical cancer, but also head, neck, and anal cancers that can affect anyone,” said Ms Harmon.

“I would urge government to prioritise the development of ovarian and uterine cancer-screening services.

“We need to see funding and support for the research and oncology sectors to ensure this becomes a reality for women and people with ovaries.”