The HPV vaccine protects against nine different strains of the HPV virus, which can cause several types of cancer including cervical cancer.

The earlier cervical cancer is detected, the better the outcome, which is why it's so important to attend for routine screening.

HPV screening was introduced last year as the new CervicalCheck screening programme. It tests all samples for HPV, rather than just those with abnormal cells, and is more effective than the previous system.

Dr Doireann O'Leary, health blogger and Cork GP, joined us for our weekly health slot during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week with more information on the screening process and the HPV vaccine.

She also spoke about her own cervical cancer diagnosis and how early detection saved her life.