Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from the 22nd until the 28th of January 2012. It is a European wide initiative led by European Cervial Cancer Association (ECCA).
To mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging all women aged 25-60 to arrange their free smear test with their GP or family planning clinic through the CervicalCheck screening programme.
Regular cervical screening is essential if changes to the cervix are to be detected early. Early detection and treatment of pre cancerous cells can prevent cancer developing in most cases. According to the Irish Cancer Society, approximately 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland every year and in 2010, 89 women died from cervical cancer.
If you are concerned about or have been affected by cervical cancer or any other cancer, please call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 (open Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm and Fridays 9am – 5pm) or go to www.cancer.ie/cancer-information/cervical-cancer
The symptoms of cervical cancer include:
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding. For example, bleeding in between your periods, after sex or after the menopause.
• Blood-stained vaginal discharge that may have a foul smell.
• Discomfort or pain in your pelvis
If you have any of the above symptoms, get them checked out by your doctor. But remember they can occur in many conditions other than cancer. For more information, contact the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700
