West Limerick Resources - "Committed to the Community"

Cancer Awareness Initiative

As part of its on-going Cancer Awareness initiative, members of the West Limerick Resources' West Limerick Primary Healthcare Project for Travellers have been busy promoting a range of information and services in the community over the last month including Cervical Check and the Pearl of Wisdom Campaign which is European initiative designed to offer a visible and recognisable symbol that people can wear to demonstrate their support for cervical cancer prevention.   To date the team has met over 100 women in Askeaton, Newcastle West, Patrickswell and Abbeyfeale to raise awareness of and help promote prevention of cervical cancer and the cervical check service operated by the HSE.

In addition to this, information on cancer and reducing your risk is being offered across the West Limerick area throughout February including in pharmacies in Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Patrickswell, the beauticians and hair salons in Rathkeale, the health shops in Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale, the Rathkeale Community Information office, Newcastle West Community and Family Hub and West Limerick Resources Abbeyfeale office. A key message coming from the team is to talk to your GP, public health nurse or other health professional if you are concerned about cancer. Almost all cervical cancers could be prevented by effective screening and vaccination. For more information on CervicalCheck - the national free cervical cancer screening programme for women aged 25 to 60 years - call 1800 45 45 55 or see www.cervicalcheck.ie.

The West Limerick Primary Health Care Project for Travellers is up and running since September 2010, funded by the HSE and operated by a number of women from the Traveller Community who are fully qualified Community Health Workers.   The project is in line with national health policy which aims to have Primary Health Care Projects for Travellers in all HSE regions where there is a significant Traveller population. The project can be contacted on 069 61316 or email phcp@wlr.ie.

Posted on 17/02/2012 by Suzanne Rowley, Information Officer