One in five women living in Ireland have never had a cervical smear test- Smear tests vital in preventing cervical cancer -
(Embargo: Thursday 7th September 2006 @ 0800) The Irish Cancer Society is today launching the next phase of its cervical screening awareness campaign by announcing results of in-depth telephone research on awareness of and attitudes to cervical screening, which was conducted in June 2006 amongst 500 women aged 20 – 60 years. The key results of this research show that 20% of women (or 1 in 5) have never had a smear test (especially evident in the 25-40 year old age group) and only 10% know that not having regular smear tests might contribute to them getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening prevents the development of cervical cancer because it recognises a pre-cancer state in the cervix. This allows for successful treatment before the abnormal cells have the ability to spread and do harm. Cervical cancer is therefore preventable through screening. In addition only 20% of women claim to be aware of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) which most sexually active women are exposed to and which is the major risk factor for developing cervical cancer(1).
Unlike most of our European neighbours, Ireland has no nationwide screening programme whereby all women aged 25-60 years are invited by the State to attend their GP or family planning clinic for a free smear test every 3-5 years and abnormalities if detected can be treated. The roll-out of this nationwide programme was promised by various Governments over the past ten years but not implemented. However the Irish Cancer Society is pleased that Minister Mary Harney, T.D. and Minister for Health and Children recently indicated when the National Cancer Strategy was published in June 2006, that the programme would be rolled out by 2008. The Irish Cancer Society will be watching this deadline closely and in the absence of a nationwide screening programme and as part of this campaign, the Society is reminding all women aged 25 years or more, who have been or are sexually active and who may have never had a smear test or if it has been longer than three years, to make an appointment today with their GP or local family planning clinic.
Furthermore the results of this cervical screening awareness and attitudes research showed that;
• For those who have never had a smear test, fear ranks as a key barrier (fear regarding what is involved, fear of pain and fear of a diagnosis of abnormality in the cervix or cervical cancer) especially amongst lower socio-economic groups;
• 20% of respondents who have never had a smear test cited lack of female doctors as a barrier to having a smear test;
• Key motivators to having a cervical smear therefore centre around the availability of a female healthcare professional to conduct the test, more information on the benefits of the test and the availability of the test locally;
• Promisingly the research shows that the average age at which women have their first smear test is 26 years, however the majority of women think that they need a smear test every two years (women aged 25-35 years should be screened every three years and thereafter at five year screening intervals if their smear is negative, until the age of 60 years);
• 16% of respondents correctly cited smoking as a key risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Most women who have been exposed to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) dispel it over time but some women have difficulty getting rid of it particularly if they smoke (For help in quitting smoking CallSave the National Smokers’ Quitline on 1850 201 203) (2)
Speaking at the launch event, Dr Grainne Flannelly, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, National Maternity Hospital said “The smear test is a very simple procedure taking less than five minutes. It may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful. Once you are lying on the couch, the doctor or nurse will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina, to hold the vaginal walls open. A small spatula or brush is then used to take a sample of cells from the cervix which are sent to the lab and examined under a microscope. The cervical smear test can usually show if there are any changes in the cells of the cervix which if not found and treated may later become cancerous. These very early changes are called pre-cancerous changes. It can also find cancer cells so early treatment can be given to stop the spread. The earlier a change is found, the easier it is to successfully treat.”
Also speaking at the briefing John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said “The Health Services Executive (HSE) should conduct educational campaigns advising women that the Human Papilloma Virus is the major risk factor for developing cervical cancer and how it is transmitted. The HSE should educate women that having regular smears might save their lives. In the meantime the Irish Cancer Society will use funds kindly donated by the public to mount this campaign to educate women. Our campaign will largely comprise national and regional radio advertising and washroom advertising over the next three months and we are asking that the Department of Health and HSE to welcome and endorse it.”
The National Cancer Registry estimates that there are approximately 1,000 new cases of cervical pre-cancer where abnormalities in the cervix have been detected, 200 new cases of cervical cancer and 70 deaths from cervical cancer every year, which is one of the highest rates in Western Europe.
For further information on the cervical smear tests and/or cervical cancer Freefone the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700 (week days 9am – 5pm, Tuesdays until 9pm).
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For further information and/or to organise an interview, please contact Deirdre Keane, Communications Manager, Irish Cancer Society Tel.: (01) 2310 559 or 086 8718959
References
1-2 Cervical screening and cancer awareness and attitudes survey. Research Solutions. June 2006
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