CERVICAL CANCER rates could be “drastically” reduced if women avail of new free cervical smear tests, the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) said yesterday.
Launching European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week in Ireland, IFPA medical director Dr Caitríona Henchion said women who had been for smear tests should encourage others to do likewise. “Spreading the word about cervical cancer prevention is vital,” she said.
The free national cervical screening programme began last September for women aged 25-60. It has the potential to cut current incidence rates from cervical cancer by up to 80 per cent, according to CervicalCheck, the agency running the programme.
Up to 75 women die from the cancer every year. It is one of the main causes of death among women aged under 44.
Speaking at the launch of the awareness week yesterday, Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Eibhlin Byrne said there were a lot of myths and fears about smear tests. “In reality it’s a simple procedure that just takes a few minutes and can save lives.
“This week is the type of awareness-raising initiative that we need to get the simple and correct facts out there, so that women’s lives are not lost unnecessarily through cervical cancer.”
For a list of GPs, practice nurses and clinics providing the tests, see www.cervicalcheck.ie
