European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 24-31 January 2016

The Irish Cancer Society is encouraging women to be aware of how to reduce their risk of cervical cancer, as the Society marks the start of European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2016. Approximately 306 Irish women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland every year and around 93 women die from the disease annually.

Regular cervical screening can detect changes to the cervix early. All women between the ages of 25 and 60 are entitled to free tests through the CervicalCheck screening programme and can arrange the test with their GP or family planning clinic. 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.

The Society is also reminding women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. These include:

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

Naomi Fitzgibbon, Cancer Nurseline Manager, Irish Cancer Society said: “European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week offers an opportunity for women to think about when they had their last smear test. If you have not had one in the last three to five years, depending on your age, it is important that you put your health first and make an appointment.

The smear test only takes a few minutes and provides an easy way to detect any changes in the cells of the cervix. This is important as often the symptoms associated with Cervical Cancer may not appear until the later stages. Cervical Cancer can be very treatable once it is found early. Make your appointment for your smear test this week.”

This year, the Irish Cancer Society is supporting the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) and its Pearl of Wisdom campaign. The Pearl of Wisdom is the international emblem of cervical cancer prevention. To raise awareness about the disease, the IFPA distributes Pearls of Wisdom and information leaflets to women around the country.

The Society is reminding women to call CervicalCheck (www.cervicalcheck.ie) and find out when their 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.

If you are concerned or affected by cervical cancer or any other cancer, please call the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700 or visit www.cancer.ie.