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Abstract

This paper aimed to research the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine uptake which prevents cervical cancer (caused by HPV), and an evaluation of the Cervical Check system in Ireland for cervical cancer detection was undertaken as part of the research. Topics discussed were the preventative and detective measures for cervical cancer in Ireland. The population studied was 18–24-year-old women in Ireland. This study was conducted online, through Google forms, Facebook and the UCC surveys portal. A total of 776 participants were analysed using excel spreadsheets and data collation methods like histograms. The survey was anonymised, and the participants agreed for their data to be used for publishing in a scientific peer-reviewed research paper. It was determined that there is a mistrust between the Irish Cervical Check system in Ireland and the young women of Ireland - 53.6% of our population do not have trust in it. It was found that a source of this mistrust is due to the lack of education and bias in news headlines, surrounding the HPV cervical cancer preventative vaccine and the scandal in 2011. A total of 63.5% of our survey population did not receive the HPV vaccine because of parents' influence and 79.8% of our participants would get the vaccine again in comparison to 89% who received it (9.2% decline in uptake). In conclusion, more education is needed to avoid poor uptake of the HPV vaccine and cervical smears in Ireland in the future and to decrease the prevalence of cervical cancer in the general population. there is also massive distrust with the our population and the Cervical Check System in Ireland.

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