Having regular smear tests is the best protection against cervical cancer for women aged 25-60. By avoiding their smear tests, these women are putting themselves at greater risk of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb). Early detection and treatment of changes in the cells of the cervix can prevent a cervical cancer developing. The best way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix is by having regular smear tests.
Dr Gráinne Flannelly, Clinical Director of CervicalCheck is urging all women aged 25-60 to go for their free smear tests. She said: “The fact that so many women are avoiding this simple, free test is a cause for concern. I truly hope that women who have not yet had a smear test will take five minutes out of their busy day to be proactive about their health. A smear test is nothing to be embarrassed about. It only takes a few minutes and doctors and practice nurses do hundreds a week.”
CervicalCheck is also aware that women aged over 50 are less likely to have their smear tests. Even if a woman is aged over 50, has reached the menopause or has finished having her family, she still needs to have regular smear tests. It’s just as important for a woman of 56 to have a smear test as it is for a woman aged 25.
CervicalCheck – The National Cervical Screening Programme provides free smear tests for women aged 25 to 60. There is a choice of over 4,000 male and female smeartakers (GPs doctors and practice nurses) nationwide – and it’s free.
Women don’t need an invitation letter or to register with CervicalCheck. To arrange a smear test they can simply contact a registered smeartaker of their choice to make an appointment. GPs, practice nurses, Women’s Health, Family Planning and Well Woman Clinics all over Ireland are registered to provide free smear tests. Details of all registered smeartakers are available at www.cervicalcheck.ie or by calling CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55.
Once a woman has had her first CervicalCheck smear test, the programme will let her know when her next smear test is due. A woman can also find the date of her next test by checking online at www.cervicalcheck.ie.
-Ends-