European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 22nd-29th January 2012
Irish Cancer Society encourages all women aged 25 – 60 years to book their free smear test
To mark Cervical Cancer Prevention week 2012, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging women in Ireland to arrange their free smear test with their GP practice or family planning clinic through the CervicalCheck screening programme for women aged 25-60 years.
Regular cervical screening is the best way to detect changes to the cervix early. Most of the changes detected will not lead to cervical cancer but early detection and treatment of pre cancerous cells can prevent cancer developing in most cases. Not going for cervical screening is a major risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Approximately 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland every year and in 2010, 89 women died from cervical cancer.
Naomi Fitzgibbon, Cancer Information Services Manager, Irish Cancer Society said “the Irish Cancer Society hopes that European Cervical Cancer Awareness Week will give that extra encouragement to put their health first and make an appointment for a smear test if they have not had one in the last three years. A smear test only takes a few minutes and it is the most effective way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix which is the neck of the womb. Women also need to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. They can find out more by calling the National Cancer Helpline and ordering a copy of our Woman’s Guide to Healthy Living and Cancer.”
The Irish Cancer Society is supporting the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) and its Pearls of Wisdom campaign for 2012. The Pearl of Wisdom is the international emblem of cervical cancer prevention. To raise awareness about the disease, this January the IFPA will be distributing 20,000 Pearls of Wisdom and information leaflets to women around the country. Pearls of Wisdom are available through the Irish Cancer Society‘s National Cancer Helpline and through its Daffodil Centres.
Ms Fitzgibbon concluded “the Pearls of Wisdom campaign is a great way to get the message out there and encourage women to talk about cervical cancer and how they can prevent it and we are delighted to be involved.”
If you are concerned about or have been affected by cervical cancer or any other cancer, please call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 (open Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm and Fridays 9am – 5pm) or go to www.cancer.ie/cancer-information/cervical-cancer
The symptoms of cervical cancer 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 you have any of the above symptoms, get them checked out by your doctor. But remember they can occur in many conditions other than cancer. For more information, contact the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700
Cervical cancer can also be prevented through HPV vaccination. One of biggest risk factors for developing cervical cancer is HPV infection. Research has demonstrated that HPV vaccines can prevent 95% of cases of cervical cancer related to HPV types 16 and 18, the HPV strains that are found in almost 70% of cervical cancers. 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%.
Further information on Cervical Check
• It is recommended that women have a smear test every three to five years, depending on age.
• A smear test only takes a few minutes and it is the most effective way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb).
• The earlier cell changes are found, the easier they are to treat.
• Most smear test results are found to be perfectly normal and CervicalCheck will contact you about your results within four weeks of having your free smear test.
• There is a choice of over 4,150 male and female GPs, doctors and practice nurses nationwide – and it’s free.
Call our National Cancer Helpline 1800 200 700 (open Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm and Fridays 9am – 5pm) or visit www.cancer.ie/cancer-information/cervical-cancer and www.cervicalcheck.ie for further information.
