Wicklow TD Minister Simon Harris has called on Wicklow Women to avail of the free national screening service for cervical cancer. The service is operated by CervicalCheck.
Speaking at the start of ‘Cervical Cancer Prevention Week’, Minister Harris said:
“90% of cervical cancers are preventable, making it the most preventable cancer. In Ireland, we have a free national screening programme through CervicalCheck, which provides smear tests to women aged 25 to 60 free of charge.”
“In spite of this, 16% of women in Wicklow are missing their appointments. A smear test is a very simple procedure that only takes minutes, and it could save your life. As we embark on ‘Cervical Cancer Prevention Week’, I am delighted to support the Irish Family Planning Association’s awareness drive, the ‘Pearl of Wisdom Campaign’. I would strongly urge the women of Wicklow to take this opportunity to register for the screening service, or find out when their next appointment is, by visiting cervicalcheck.ie.
“There are 37 locations across Wicklow where women can get their free cervical screening. “I would also urge the women of Wicklow to discuss the issue with their female family members and friends. They can join me in getting the message out on social media using the hashtag #ShareTheWisdom.”
