Irish Cancer Society: All women of screening age will be contacted directly by CervicalCheck

The Irish Cancer Society has met with Minister Simon Harris to seek reassurances on behalf of the women affected by the Cervical Check scandal and all the women who are now worried about their smear results.

At that meeting, the Minister agreed to the Society’s request that a letter be sent to all women of screening age addressing any concerns they may have about Cervical Check and highlighting the value of the service.

Averil Power, Chief Executive at the Irish Cancer Society said "Vicky Phelan has repeatedly stressed she doesn’t want her experience to put women off going for smear tests. It is essential this message gets through to the women of Ireland and they are not deterred from availing of a test that could save their lives. Understandably, many women are confused and worried at present. It is essential the Government reassures them by writing to them, answering their questions and highlighting the value of the service. We welcome Minister Harris’ commitment today that this will be done.

"We also stressed to the Minister that everything possible must be done to help all the women affected by testing errors, and their families, on a one-one basis. The Independent Clinical Review process must be set up as soon as possible and carried out in a supportive, patient-centred way. We want to make sure these women get the right support, clinical, psychological or otherwise,” she concluded.

More information about cervical cancer and cervical screening.