Tag Archives: CervicalCheck

CALLS for the fast-tracking of medical procedures, deferred because of Covid-19, are gathering momentum, as a leading Clare cancer campaigner described the situation as “incredibly concerning”. Quin resident John Wall, who has terminal prostate cancer, said the postponing of elective procedures, as well as the suspension of the national breast and cervical cancer screening programmes, needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency. “The government nationalised public hospitals, in good faith, because of the potential overflow that was envisaged because of a potential peak in Coronavirus,” he said. “Thankfully, that surge hasn’t materialised. However, we now find ourselves in the position that the vast majority of public beds are lying empty, elective procedures have been cancelled. We’re reopening the country, but we have no definitive plan yet to move forward on this. Ultimately, we all want universal healthcare. I pay for private health insurance, I would prefer not [to have] to. I would prefer to place my faith in …

The Irish Family Planning Association and CervicalCheck will launch the Pearl of Wisdom campaign on Sunday, to mark the start of European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. The campaign highlights the importance of women aged 25-60 attending for their free regular smear test. The Pearl of Wisdom campaign is supported by RTÉ broadcaster Maura Derrane. As part of the campaign, women with experience of screening and treatment will share their stories to raise awareness of the importance of screening. In Ireland, 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and over 90 die from the disease. Regular screening allows for detection of abnormalities at the pre-cancerous stage, when they can be easily treated. The test is free, only takes a few minutes, and can be accessed from over 4,500 registered practitioners nationwide. During European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 22 -28), women are asked to check when their next test is due or to book their first test by visiting …