Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson for Health, Senator Colm Burke has today highlighted European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which takes place from the 22nd January to the 28th January, with awareness events taking place nationwide.
“I fully support the Irish Family Planning Association and CervicalCheck’s combined efforts to actively raise awareness about cervical cancer. All women aged between 25 and 60 should be strongly encouraged to get a smear test done.
“Cervical cancer takes a long time to develop and often has no symptoms until an advanced stage. It has been proven that regular screening can save lives by detecting any abnormalities at an early stage.
“Statistics show that every year around 300 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer and sadly over 90 lives are lost.
“Cervical cancer ranks as the 8th most frequent cancer among women in Ireland, and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age. Since young teenagers are categorised in the high risk group, it is vital that information is provided to them in Secondary schools.
“By responding to screening programmes, such as CervicalCheck we can significantly reduce Ireland’s mortality rate of cervical cancer.
“If everyone encourages their female friends and relatives to book an appointment for a smear test during this awareness week this could save in excess of 90 lives in 2012”, he concluded.
For more information on cervical check visit www.cervicalcheck.ie or phone 1800 454555
