Get Screened. Prevent Cervical Cancer.

Get Screened, Prevent Cervical Cancer

As part of European Cervical Cancer Week this week (22 - 28 January), the Irish Cancer Society has urged women to ensure that they are up to date with their cervical cancer screening.

The Society has said that Irish women need to understand that they can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer if they attend their free screening appointment.

Speaking about the campaign, Naomi Fitzgibbon, Cancer Nurseline Manager with the Irish Cancer Society said, “In Ireland, an average of 300 women every year are diagnosed with cervical cancer and it is the second most common female cancer in Europe. While these numbers are reducing, it is still absolutely vital that women take part in their screening and keep up to date with their free smear tests.

“Cervical cancer takes a long time to develop and often has no symptoms, which is why regular screening is crucial. All women between the ages of 25 and 60 are entitled to free tests through the State’s CervicalCheck screening programme and can arrange the test with their own local GP or family planning clinic.

“In terms of the screening itself, it is quite a straightforward procedure where a sample of cells is taken from the cervix or the neck of the womb. It can be a little uncomfortable at times but is not at all painful and should only take about 15 minutes. Those 15 minutes could be really crucial if they are reducing your risk of cervical cancer.

“It is impossible to talk about cervical cancer without mentioning the HPV vaccine. One of biggest risk factors for developing cervical cancer is a HPV infection, which is a virus passed on during sex."

The HPV vaccination schools based programme for girls in first year in secondary school was rolled out by the National Immunisation Office in September 2010. The combination of a HPV vaccination programme along with an effective screening programme has the potential to reduce the incidence of cervical cancers by up to 90%.”

“Each year, the Irish Cancer Society supports the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) and its Pearl of Wisdom campaign. The Pearl of Wisdom is the international emblem of cervical cancer prevention and to raise awareness about the disease and the IFPA distributes Pearls of Wisdom and information leaflets to women around the country, including to our network of 13 Daffodil Centres.

We would urge all women to wear the pin and support the campaign,” Fitzgibbon concluded.

The Irish Cancer Society added that all women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. These include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding. For example, bleeding in between your periods, after sex or after the menopause.
  • Blood-stained vaginal discharge that may have a foul smell.
  • Discomfort or pain in your pelvis.

If anyone experiences any of the above symptoms, it is really important that they get them checked out a doctor. These kinds of symptoms can occur in other conditions as well but it is always much safer to get checked.

If you would like to get some more information on your next smear, please call CervicalCheck on 1800 45 45 55 or check out their website on www.cervicalcheck.ie, to find out when your next appointment is due.

Anyone who has any symptoms that could be caused by cervical cancer should get them checked out by their doctor without delay.

To speak to a cancer nurse on any aspect of cervical cancer contact our Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700, email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one of our 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide.