National Screening Service

News update from the National Screening Service – January 2026 The latest news from the HSE National Screening Service - January 2026

Catch up with all our latest news:

- Cervical Cancer Prevention Week highlights
- Our work with Dublin Simon Community to improve equity in diabetic eye screening
- New #DiabeticRetinaScreen research project to support young adults with diabetes

👉 tinyurl.com/nss-news-jan...

#ChooseScreening

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: World Cancer Day 2026. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. The Irish Cancer Prevention Network collaborate annually on World Cancer Day to deliver an initiative to raise awareness of cancer risk reduction behaviours amongst the general public. A webinar will...

Register now to join this free #WorldCancerDay webinar and learn more about what we can all do to reduce the risk of cancer.

📅 Wednesday 4 February 2026
⏲️12 noon

Small steps. Big impact.

👉 bit.ly/ICPNwebinar

Building a modern information system for CervicalCheck and supporting Ireland’s journey towards cervical cancer elimination We are starting work on a new Information Management System (IMS) for CervicalCheck.

We’re building a modern Information Management System for #CervicalCheck - creating stronger foundations for quality, data and digital services and supporting Ireland's journey towards cervical cancer elimination.

Read more 📖 tinyurl.com/Building-IMS...

#TogetherTowardsElimination

New appointment at Roscommon Hospital - News - Roscommon Herald Andrea performs a comprehensive range of diagnostic and interventional procedures to aid in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal ...

As part of her role, Andrea says she is excited to be part of #BowelScreen, supporting the early detection and prevention of bowel cancer.

“What matters most to me is that every patient feels listened to, respected and confident in the care they receive."

www.roscommonherald.ie/news/new-app...

East Cork clinic part of the 'bigger picture' in bringing cervical cancer care to vulnerable groups January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month around the world, with a renewed focus on this preventable disease. Ireland is 'on target' to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, the HSE said

Equity in action: How a clinic in East Cork is breaking down barriers and supporting migrant women to take part in cervical screening.

#CervicalCheck #ChooseScreening
#CervicalCancerPrevention

Read the full story in today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social 👇

www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...

A Cervical One-Stop Assessment Clinic was set up in Cork University Maternity Hospital in 2021 for women with symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer.

A retrospective review, published in the Irish Medical Journal, evaluates the first 3 years of the service.

🔗 imj.ie/managing-wom...

Real Health: Tackling the growing burden of diabetes in Ireland with Professor David Keegan How can an eye-scan detect diabetes? What is diabetic retinopathy? And when should you get screened?

Professor David Keegan, Clinical Director with our #DiabeticRetinaScreen programme, joined The Real Health podcast this week, to chat about the importance of free eye screening for people with type 1 and type 2 #diabetes.

🎧 Listen now 👇

#ChooseScreening

www.independent.ie/podcasts/rea...

Working Life: “Women aged 50 and over have the lowest uptake of cervical screening nationally” Rachael Comer, education and training manager, screening training unit, HSE CervicalCheck

In today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social Dr Rachael Comer, Education & Training Manager with #CervicalCheck talks about her passion for women's health and how her role "brought together everything I value - women’s health, prevention, and professional education."

www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/he...

CervicalCheck awareness graphic with HSE logo. The message explains that cervical cancer can be prevented and encourages people to talk about it. It advises anyone with possible cervical cancer symptoms to see their GP for the right care, includes the hashtag #CervicalCancerPrevention, and features blue and green decorative shapes with simple healthcare illustrations.

When cervical cancer is found early, it can be treated and cured.

Go to your GP if you notice any symptoms that could be caused by cervical cancer.

🌐 hse.ie/cervical-cancer

#CervicalCancerPrevention

Equity in action: Bringing cervical screening directly to migrant women in Cork We’re making cervical screening easier to access and breaking down barriers for migrant women living in an IPAS centre in Cork.

We removed barriers and brought cervical screening directly to a community of migrant women in Cork.

Learn about the impact of this project and how local partnerships made a difference: www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation...

#ChooseScreening #CervicalCancerPrevention

Cervical cancer prevention starts with the HPV vaccine The HPV vaccine is our first line of protection against the human papillomavirus - the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer.

Most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented - and prevention starts with the HPV vaccine.

Getting the HPV vaccine significantly reduces our chance of getting cervical cancer later in life.

Let's talk about it:
🌐 tinyurl.com/HPV-vaccine-...

#CervicalCancerPrevention

“I did something good for my future self”: how cervical screening helped prevent cancer Alejandra Diaz shares her story about going for follow-up treatment after cervical screening to treat abnormal cells and prevent cervical cancer.

“I did something good for my future self.”

Alejandra Diaz shares how HPV cervical screening found abnormal cells early - and how follow-up treatment helped prevent cancer.

Read her story 👉 tinyurl.com/alejandra-di...

#ChooseScreening #CervicalCancerPrevention

Going for treatment after screening matters - it can stop cervical cancer before it starts How cervical screening, follow-up tests and treatment work together to prevent cervical cancer.

Going for follow-up after cervical screening really matters.

Treatment of abnormal cells can stop cervical cancer before it starts - and it’s already preventing thousands of cancers in Ireland.

Here’s how it works ⬇️
🔗 tinyurl.com/treatment-af...

#CervicalCancerPrevention #ChooseScreening

Graphic with HSE branding. The headline reads “Press release. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2026.” The design uses blue and green tones with decorative plant shapes and healthcare illustrations.

Together, the HPV vaccine, cervical screening, and follow-up tests and treatment after screening are preventing thousands of cancers - and this is how we will make cervical cancer rare in Ireland.

Read our press release: about.hse.ie/news/hse-mar...

#CervicalCancerPrevention

Cervical cancer prevention information graphic with HSE and CervicalCheck branding. The poster explains that most cervical cancers can be prevented and highlights key actions: HPV vaccination, regular cervical screening, follow-up treatment when advised, and seeing a GP if symptoms appear. It includes simple healthcare icons and a link to hse.ie/cervicalcheck.

This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

We can prevent cervical cancer.

Talk with your family, friends and parents about:
➡️ the HPV vaccine
➡️ cervical screening
➡️ going for follow-up treatment when needed

🌐 hse.ie/cervicalcheck

#CervicalCancerPrevention

Does getting HPV increase your cervical cancer risk? It’s a common virus that infects 80% of the population. Most people clear the infection, but for some women it can increase the risk of cervical cancer

HPV vaccination, cervical screening and follow-up treatment after screening can all help to reduce the risk of cervical cancer developing in the future.

As we approach #CervicalCancerPrevention week, read more about how we can prevent cervical cancer. 👇

www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/he...

Not every HSE story is a bad one A routine mammogram torpedoed Jillian Godsil into a system that was speedy, effective, and kind, writes Jillian Godsil

In today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social, Jillian Godsil shares her #BreastCheck experience.

"The speed at which I was looked after was phenomenal [...]. I know not everyone will have such a light brush with cancer, but I was in good hands."

www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...

#ChooseScreening

Cervical cancer prevention starts with the HPV vaccine The HPV vaccine is our first line of protection against the human papillomavirus - the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer.

HPV causes most cases of cervical cancer - and the vaccine is our first line of protection.

As we head into #CervicalCancerPrevention week, learn why the vaccine matters and how together with screening, we will make cervical cancer rare in Ireland.

🔗 tinyurl.com/HPV-vaccine-...

This catch-up programme is designed to offer a further vaccination opportunity to young people, both male and female, who may have missed earlier opportunities to receive the HPV vaccine. www.gov.ie/en/departmen...

Working together in Europe to prevent cervical cancer Prof Nóirín Russell gives an update on the EC-CvC initiative and how the work of the group is progressing.

As we approach #CervicalCancerPrevention week, Prof @russelln.bsky.social gives an update on our work with the EC-CvC initiative, which aims to strengthen cervical cancer prevention and care and supports our work towards cervical cancer elimination in Europe.

Read more: tinyurl.com/NSS-EC-CvC-0...

Promotional graphic for a Clinical Update “Lunch and Learn” webinar titled “Cervical Cancer Prevention.” The session is called “CervicalCheck in Practice in Primary Care” and is presented by Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon, Primary Care Clinical Advisor, National Screening Service. The webinar takes place on Wednesday 21 January 2026 from 1pm to 2pm. The image includes HSE and CervicalCheck logos, calendar and clock icons, and blue decorative shapes.

Join us on Cervical Cancer Prevention Week for this free webinar with Dr @sarahfitzwimin.bsky.social and catch up on the latest clinical insights to support high-quality patient care.

If you're involved in providing cervical screening in primary care, register now: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

New research project to support young adults to take part in free diabetic eye screening The 2-year project, starting in early 2026, will be led by the University of Galway, in collaboration with our Diabetic RetinaScreen and Public Health teams.

We’re starting work with @universityofgalway.bsky.social to co-design ways to support young adults aged 18 to 25 to take part in #DiabeticRetinaScreen.

This is a 2-year project with funding from the @hrbireland.bsky.social

Read more 🔗 tinyurl.com/4fhkdby5

#ChooseScreening

Recruitment graphic with HSE logo in the top left corner and the National Screening Service logo in the top right corner. The headline reads “Join our team.” The role advertised is “Head of Human Resources and Corporate Services (General Manager).” A highlighted banner states “Closing date: 21 January 2026.” The design uses a dark green background with yellow highlight panels.

📢 We’re hiring a Head of HR & Corporate Services

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping HR strategy, strengthening organisational culture, and supporting our national screening programmes.

Find out more and apply now: about.hse.ie/jobs/job-sea...

#ChooseScreening

Festive graphic with soft gold and teal lights. Text reads: “Happy new year from the National Screening Service.” Along the bottom: “Together, we’re making a difference. #ChooseScreening,” with the HSE and National Screening Service logos.

From the team at the National Screening Service, have a happy and safe new year.

To our staff, partners and everyone who chooses to take part in screening - thank you for your collaboration and support.

Keep up to date at www.screeningservice.ie

#ChooseScreening

A laptop on a desk displays the website address “screeningservice.ie” on a blue screen with National Screening Service branding. Beside the laptop are a small potted green plant, a stack of books, a pen, and paper clips, suggesting an office or workspace setting.

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Read the HSE National Service Plan 2026: about.hse.ie/publications...

Keep up to date with our latest news at www.screeningservice.ie

#ChooseScreening

Promotional graphic for BowelScreen showing a home bowel screening test kit and instruction booklet. Text reads: “BowelScreen is for everyone aged 58 to 70. When you get your invitation letter, you can request your home-test kit online.” Includes the website hse.ie/bowelscreen and the hashtag #ChooseScreening, with HSE and BowelScreen logos.

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We’ll increase the number of people living with diabetes who will be invited for free diabetic eye screening; and we’ll extend the eligible age range of BowelScreen to include everyone aged 57 and aged 71.

Graphic titled “Ireland’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan,” with the HSE logo and the message “An Ireland where cervical cancer is rare in every community.” A teal awareness ribbon flows across illustrated faces representing diverse people. The hashtag “#TogetherTowardsElimination” appears, along with a badge noting Ireland’s cervical cancer elimination target year, 2040.

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We’ll deliver the second year of Ireland’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan in collaboration with the National Immunisation Office, National Cancer Control Programme, Healthy Communities, National Women and Infants Health Programme, and the National Cancer Registry Ireland.

Promotional graphic showing a hand holding a smartphone displaying the HSE Health App. Text on the image says it is now easier to access breast screening, and that BreastCheck appointment details can be viewed on the HSE Health App. BreastCheck and HSE logos are shown, with a call to download the app at hse.ie/app.

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We’ll continue to expand BreastCheck services to provide breast screening to a growing eligible population, ensuring equitable and timely access for women who choose screening.

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In 2026 we’ll continue to focus on helping more people to take part in screening so that everyone can benefit from earlier detection, better treatment outcomes, reduced mortality and improved quality of life.

Cover image for the HSE National Service Plan 2026. A green background features illustrated scenes representing health and social care across Ireland, including families, older people, people with disabilities, healthcare staff, community care, hospitals, home care, vaccination, and emergency services. A stylised map of Ireland appears at the centre, with icons connected by health and care pathways.

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The HSE National Service Plan for 2026 has been published.

Our four screening programmes have specific delivery and development objectives within the plan, including the continued implementation of our strategy #ChooseScreening.