From now on, women registered with the programme locally as well as in Clare and North Tipperary can avail of screening every three years if they are between 25 to 44 while women aged between 45 and 60 will be re-called every five years.

The Irish Cervical Screening Programme (ICSP) has been operating in the mid west since October 2000 and an uptake of 80% is needed to reduce the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths.

“Screening is a worthwhile preventative health measure. Regular smear tests will reduce a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer by picking up early changes at the neck of the womb before cancer develops,” she said.

The smear test is a simple procedure that takes less than five minutes and we hope women will recognise the importance of regular smear tests and take this opportunity to look after their health”.

Cervical cancer can take 10-15 years to develop and a smear test can detect cell changes to the cervix and the cells can then be treated. The earlier abnormalities are found, the easier they are to treat.

For information or to check if you are on the ICSP register, call 1800 252600 or see www.icsp.ie.

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