West Limerick Resources - "Committed to the Community"

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Press Release: European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2012

Cervical cancer is unique in that we already know exactly what we have to do to prevent almost every case: effective screening and vaccination programmes could virtually eliminate cervical cancer in Europe. However, many women still know little about cervical cancer or what they can do to prevent it.

This year European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from 22^nd to 28^th January and is about raising awareness of cervical cancer and how it can be prevented. As part of this campaign, on Tuesday 24^th January, West Limerick Primary Healthcare Project (PHCP) staff will be interviewed by Sheila O'Regan on West Limerick Community Radio, along with Dr Grainne Flannelly, Clinical Director of CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme. Also, the PHCP team will be visiting eligible women from the Traveller community to promote understanding and uptake of cervical cancer screening.  This screening is known in Ireland as CervicalCheck and it  provides free smear tests to all women aged 25 to 60. A smear test is a simple procedure that only takes minutes and is the most effective way to detect changes in the cells of the cervix.

To arrange a smear test you can contact a registered smeartaker of your choice to make an appointment. Many GPs, practice nurses, Women's Health, Family Planning and Well Woman Clinics in West Limerick are registered and you can see a full list in the 'Find a Smeartaker' section on CervicalCheck. If you do not have access to the internet, talk to your GP or call CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

CervicalCheck also sends invitation letters to women who are on the CervicalCheck register. You can check that you are on the register in the 'Check register' section on CervicalCheck. If you are not on the register you can add or update your personal details. Again if you do not have access to the internet or if you have any questions you can call CervicalCheck on Freephone 1800 45 45 55. Please have your PPS number at hand - this helps to correctly identify you and register your details. Women who have already availed of a CervicalCheck smear test since the start of the programme on 1 September 2008 will be automatically re-called when their next smear test is due.

The result of your test will be available from your smeartaker. CervicalCheck will send you a letter about your results within four weeks of your smear test. Most smear test results are found to be normal. Please try not to worry if you are called back for another test. For women who receive a not normal result, the doctor or practice nurse will explain the result and advise you of recommended follow-up. If your result is not normal you may need to have another free smear test or a more detailed examination of the cervix using a type of microscope. This test is called a colposcopy. A colposcopy is free of charge as part of the CervicalCheck programme. If you decide to be referred as a private patient using your private health insurance you will have to pay a fee. If there are cell changes on your cervix they can be easily treated to prevent them developing into cancer cells.

CervicalCheck has a series of very helpful leaflets about its cervical cancer screening programme. These are on the website. During the month of February you can also call to the following venues for leaflets on cervical cancer and other cancer-related information:

* Rathkeale Community Information Office
* West Limerick Resources Abbeyfeale office
* Community and Family Hub, Newcastle West Community Centre
*Your local pharmacy in Askeaton, Abbeyfeale, Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Patrickswell
* The Marie Keating Foundation mobile unit in Abbeyfeale town square on 7^th February and Rathkeale town square on 8^th February, 11am-3pm

 

European Cervical Cancer Association

 

Updated March 2012