The Irish Cancer Society has warned Irish women to "be safe, not sorry" ahead of European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.
Around 328 Irish women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland every year with as many as 98 dying from the disease annually.
Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society Eileen O'Donovan said that prevention is the key.
"Reduce the risk and attend for screening" she said.
"We would encourage all women from the age of 25 to attend for a free smear test - they are entitled to this free test through their cervical check screening programme, and can arrange to have the test anytime."