21/11/2001

Chief Medical Officer stresses importance of cervical screening

Three new information leaflets aimed at encouraging women to take part in cervical cancer screening programmes been launched by the Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer as part of continuing effort in the fight against cancer.

An Awareness Day seminar in the Dunadry Hotel was held on Wednesday November 21, in order to launch the new drive by the Department of health and was attended by a wide cross-section of health professionals involved in the cervical screening programme and also by representatives of women’s organisations.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Henrietta Campbell said: “It is estimated that cervical screening saves more than 1500 lives in the United Kingdom and Ireland each year and it has been a major factor in reducing cervical cancer rates since the 1980s. Although the programme here has been a success in the prevention and early detection of this disease, it is a sad fact that many of the 30 to 40 women, who die here each year from cervical cancer, have not been attending regularly for their smear test.

“Whilst it is encouraging to see that there has been a steady increase in uptake rates to about 70 per cent, I want again to urge all women between 20 and 65 to respond to their invitation for cervical screening as soon as they receive it.

“I hope women of all ages will read these new leaflets which are being launched today and I hope the information in them will reassure those who may have genuine fears or concerns about the nature of the test itself.”

The new leaflets will be sent to women with their invitation for screening and will also be available at health facilities including GPs surgeries, family planning clinics and hospital gynaecology clinics. (AMcE)

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