Cervical screening

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 and HPV is the main cause.

Since vaccination of girls started in 2008, the number of cases with pre-cancerous cells identified in that population at cervical screening has reduced by almost 90% in comparison with rates in women who were not vaccinated.

However, the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cancer.

It is recommended that females still go for regular cervical screening (smear tests) from 25 years of age.

HPV immunisation between the ages of 11 and 13, followed by regular cervical screening from 25 years of age, offers the best possible protection against cervical cancer.

Last updated: 04 January 2023