Study shows need for improvement in cervical cancer screening
The current method of screening for cervical cancer in this country is failing, according to new research by The Irish Medical Journal.
The study shows a low instance of smear tests, and also reveals there has been no improvement in screening rates over a ten-year period.
Doctors at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin examined the screening history of 100 women surgically treated for early stage cervical cancer between 1998 and 2002.
They found that two thirds of the women had either not been screened, or were not having cervical smears carried out at the recommended time intervals.
This is despite the fact that 50% of the women had the opportunity for regular cervical screening because they were regularly attending a doctor.
Earlier this month, the Minister for Health Mary Harney said her goal was to have a cervical screening programme for women aged 25 to 60 rolled out nationally by 2008.
