CervicalCheck has screened more than one million women for cervical cancer in the last 10 years, however it is essential that women do not become complacent about this important health check, the HSE has said.

It has launched the annual Pearl of Wisdom campaign on behalf of Cervical Check (the National Cervical Screening Programme) and the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA).

This campaign encourages all women aged between 25 and 60 to keep availing of free smear tests offered by Cervical Check. It coincides with European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 28 - February3).

Around 300 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland annually, and some 90 women die from the disease every year. However, a smear test can detect early changes in the cells of the cervix before they become cancerous. These changes can then be treated, meaning that the cancer never gets a chance to develop.

A smear test only takes a few minutes to complete and as part of CervicalCheck, all women aged between 25 and 60 can avail of the test free of charge every three to five years.

"CervicalCheck has screened more than a million women in the 10 years since the free nationwide service began. Regular screening gives the best chance of detecting changes at an early stage, and we know that early treatment gives women the best outcome against cervical cancer.

"Women over 50 are less likely to get a smear test, however it is still important, even if you've reached menopause and your family is complete. I know myself it can be hard to find time and it's easy to make excuses, but I'm asking women to make the appointment and put your mind at ease," commented Junior Health Minister, Catherine Byrne, at the launch of the campaign.

Also speaking at the launch, CervicalCheck's clinical director, Prof Grainne Flannelly, highlighted the fact that the screening programme has reached its target of 80% coverage.

"This means that 80% of women have had a smear test in the last five years. In addition, it is encouraging to see that Irish cervical cancer rates have been reducing by 7% per year since 2010, according to the latest National Cancer Registry figures.

"However, we must not be complacent, inequalities still exist. Cervical cancer rates are higher in areas of deprivation and one in four women over 45 are not up to date with their cervical screening test," she said.

Prof Flannelly explained that regular smear tests ‘give the best chance of detecting changes in the cervix which can be treated before cervical cancer develops'.

"During this week, we call on all women between 25 and 60 years to make sure to check when their next test is due and make sure they participate in this valuable programme," she added.

Women aged between 25 and 60 can check that they are on the CervicalCheck register and when their next test is due at www.cervicalcheck.ie.

Women can also change their address online or by calling 1800 45 45 55. Calls are free of charge.

The Pearl of Wisdom pin is the European symbol of cervical cancer prevention. During this week, 30,000 pearls will be distributed through health promotion networks nationwide. Pearls are also available by calling CervicalCheck on 1800 45 45 55.

Women are invited to support the Pearl of Wisdom campaign by posting a selfie with their pearl on social media, using the hashtag #ShareTheWisdom.