Women have been "let down" by Government cancer-prevention policies, according to a director of a cervical cancer charity, who has called on candidates to make cancer screening a top priority in the general election.
Jo's Trust has launched a campaign in conjunction with the All-Ireland Cancer Foundation to raise awareness and garner support for prevention measures. About 200 Irish women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and nearly 80 die.
Jo's Trust director Pamela Morton said postcards had been sent to every candidate in all 42 constituencies asking them to support screening and prevention measures.
"We're asking all candidates, if elected, to call on the Department of Health and Children to adopt a cervical screening program and educational program." They were also being asked to introduce a HPV [ human papilloma virus] vaccination program across the Republic.
A free screening pilot scheme has been in place in areas around Limerick since 2000, but Ms Morton said that most women still have no access to cervical screening. Although the vaccine was available, few had taken advantage of it because of accessibility and cost.
One party - Fianna Fáil - has made free, widely available HPV vaccines a part of its election manifesto, said Ms Morton, who urged other parties to do the same.