In support of European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23-28 January), CervicalCheck – The National Cervical Screening Programme is reminding women aged 25 to 60 how important it is to have their smear test.

A smear test can pick up cell changes on the cervix (neck of the womb). If these cell changes are not found and treated, over time they can turn into cancer cells. Having a regular smear test is a woman’s best protection against cervical cancer. A CervicalCheck smear test is a really simple procedure that only takes minutes – and it’s free.

Women aged 25 to 60 should have a smear test every three to five years, depending on their age. CervicalCheck provides free smear tests and women have a choice of over 4,600 male and female smeartakers (GPs, doctors and practice nurses) nationwide. You don’t need an invitation letter or to register with CervicalCheck. To arrange a smear test you simply contact a registered smeartaker of your choice to make an appointment.

GPs, practice nurses, Family Planning, Women’s Health and Well Woman Clinics all over Ireland are registered to provide free smear tests. For details of all registered smeartakers you can call CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or visit www.cervicalcheck.ie.

If you have already had a CervicalCheck smear test, CervicalCheck will write to you when your next smear test is due – and if you change address, be sure to let CervicalCheck know your new contact details.

-Ends-