We participate in the State-sponsored cervical screening programme Cervical Check. This programme allows women aged 25 to 60 to avail of a free cervical smear test. This is a method of detecting abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix of the womb in order to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal but for 1 in 20 women, the test will show some abnormalities. Most of these will not lead to cervical cancer but require further investigation and perhaps treatment to prevent them becoming cancerous. In May 2018, the CervicalCheck programme came under much public scrutiny and, as a result, the programme was completely overhauled. In spite of the bad press the service received, our doctors would still strongly recommend cervical screening and participation in the programme.
The new, revised programme was initially due to be launched by CervicalCheck on 1st April 2020 but was delayed until 6th July 2020 due to COVID-19 and its re-start was phased in on a priority basis. CervicalCheck are issuing letters inviting women for their screening test and patients will require this letter to book their smear appointment; without it, the test cannot be done. If any patient is unsure of the process or has a concern, please phone us for advice on 021-489 2996. Full details are also available on https://www2.hse.ie/cervical-screening/ or Freephone 1800 45 45 55.
