Cervical Checks at Buncrana Medical Centre

Free smear tests for women aged 25 to 60.

 

Cervical Check’s aim is to find changes in the cervix before they become cancerous.

 

Results take just 4 weeks.

 

Most smear tests are normal.

 

To arrange your free cervical smear test, please contact us here at The Medical Centre on 074 93 63611 and ask for Michelle.

 

 

Cervical Screening

 

 

Cervical screening tests women for changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb) using a smear test.

Changes are common and cervical screening by smear tests can pick up early cell changes so they can be monitored or treated. The earlier abnormal cell changes are found, the easier they are to treat.

Early detection and treatment of changes in the cells of the cervix can prevent cervical cancer.

Screening is internationally accepted as a preventative health measure.  While it is recognised that no screening test is 100 per cent accurate, cervical screening is the most effective method of reducing a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.

International best practice recommends that a population based cervical screening programme should target women aged from 25 or 30 years to 60 or 65 years. Population based screening is where a test is offered to all individuals in a target group, usually defined by age, as part of an organised programme.

Based on evidence to date, there is no additional public health benefit in starting screening below the age of 25. In women under the age of 25, minor changes in the cells of the cervix are common but invasive cancer is extremely rare. Population based screening in women under the age of 25 may lead to many women receiving unnecessary treatment for lesions that would never have developed into invasive cancer.

 

 

Cervical Cancer

 

 

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb). Between 2008 and 2010, on average there were 308 cases of cervical cancer per year in Ireland and 88 recorded deaths in 2010 – National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI).

Cervical cells change slowly and take many years to develop into cancer cells, making cervical cancer a preventable disease.

 

 

The risk of cervical cancer can be reduced by:

 

Having regular smear tests to pick up any early cell changes

Stopping smoking (for help contact the National Smokers’ Quitline on Freephone 1850 201 203)

Visiting a doctor to discuss any concerns or symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge

Cervical cancer does not run in families. Daughters and other female relatives of women with abnormal smear tests, pre-cancerous cells (CIN) or cervical cancer do not have an increased risk of abnormal smear tests, pre-cancerous cells or cervical cancer.

 

HPV

 

 

Changes in the cells of the cervix are common. Most are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a common viral infection and most adults will get it at some time in their lives. HPV is usually spread by skin to skin contact during sexual activity. Any person who has ever engaged in sexual activity is likely to have been exposed to HPV.

There are over 100 different types of HPV. Most are low risk and do not cause changes to cervical cells. Some HPV types (high risk) can cause cell changes in the cervix (neck of the womb).

HPV infections can last without symptoms for many years without a person knowing about it. There is no treatment or cure for HPV infection. HPV is usually cleared by the body’s immune system. If the HPV infection does not clear up on its own, there is a greater risk of developing cervical cell changes which may need treatment.

Smoking damages the immune system’s ability to clear infections, including HPV. Stopping smoking is the single most important action to help clear HPV infection.

For further information about HPV and about the HPV vaccination programme visit HPV.ie.

For information or details on Cervical Check visit: www.cervicalcheck.ie or Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

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