Two practical barriers keep people from this, and both dissolve on reading. You do not need to be a patient of the practice you attend — so "I am not with a GP" is not a reason to skip it. And the interval is longer than most people assume, which means a letter that feels overdue often is.
Quick facts
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- 25 to 65
- 25 to 29
- Every 3 years
- 30 to 65
- Every 5 years
- Registered patient?
- Not required
- Freephone
- 1800 45 45 55
What it is
"CervicalCheck is Ireland's screening programme to prevent cervical cancer. The programme provides free, regular cervical screening tests to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 65."
Worth being precise about what it does: "A cervical screening test is not a test for cancer. It is a test to help prevent cancer from developing."
"The HPV cervical screening test is a test that looks for high-risk types of HPV cells." If high-risk HPV is found, you are then checked for abnormal or pre-cancerous cells.
How often
"Women and people with a cervix who are aged between 25 and 65 should get a HPV cervical screening test when it is due."
"If you are 25 to 29 years, you should be screened every 3 years."
"If you are 30 to 65 years, you should be screened every 5 years."
"If you are HPV positive, you may need screening more often." CervicalCheck writes to you if that applies.
The barrier that is not real
"You do not have to be a patient of a GP or a clinic to have your free cervical screening there."
That sentence is the whole point of this page. Not being registered anywhere, having moved, or not wanting to discuss it with your own GP are none of them reasons to go without the test.
"If you have any questions or concerns about the screening programme, contact CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55."
If you have symptoms, do not wait for a letter
"If you have any concerns about cervical cancer or have symptoms of cervical cancer , you should contact your family doctor (GP)."
Screening is for people without symptoms. If something is wrong now, that is a GP appointment, not a screening appointment — and waiting for your next scheduled letter is the wrong move.
Common questions
Who can get free cervical screening in Ireland?
Women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 65, through CervicalCheck, Ireland's screening programme to prevent cervical cancer.
How often should I be screened?
Every 3 years if you are 25 to 29, and every 5 years if you are 30 to 65. If you are HPV positive you may need screening more often, and CervicalCheck will let you know.
Do I have to be a patient of the GP?
No. You do not have to be a patient of a GP or a clinic to have your free cervical screening there.
Is it a test for cancer?
No. A cervical screening test is not a test for cancer — it is a test to help prevent cancer from developing, by looking for high-risk types of HPV cells.
What if I have symptoms?
Contact your GP rather than waiting for a screening invitation. Screening is for people without symptoms.