This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and the HSE is reminding women aged 25-65 that the most effective prevention is screening

It’s important to know that you don’t need to be registered with GP practice to request a screening test from them.

Speaking about the importance of attending CervicalCheck screenings as recommended, Professor Nóirín Russell, CervicalCheck Clinical Director, HSE National Screening Service, said: 

“Cervical screening is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer in women. Through screening we can find and treat pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. 

“For women who have cancer diagnosed through screening it is usually at an earlier stage when treatment outcomes are more likely to be successful. 

“These access initiatives demonstrate how the National Screening Service is working to increase equity by overcoming barriers that prevent women from getting screened.”

CervicalCheck offers HPV cervical screening every three years to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 29; and every five years to those aged 30 to 65 years.  

Cervical screening is for women who do not have any symptoms of cervical cancer. 

Never ignore symptoms of cervical cancer, speak to your GP, even if you have had a recent normal screening result.

What to expect?

The HSE explains that during your cervical screening, a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing.

The test only takes around five minutes and your full appointment should be around 15 minutes.

Make sure you book your appointment for when you don’t have your period.

Health experts also recommend not using any vaginal medications, lubricants, or creams in the 2 days before you have your test. The only reason for this is that they can affect the results.

You need to bring your PPS number with you.

If you’re particularly nervous, you can ask specifically for a female GP to do your test and you can also request to have a friend or family member in the room with you.

For more information click here.

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