Women are being reminded of the importance of undergoing cervical screening, which is free for those aged between 25 and 60.

This week is European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and to highlight this event, the national cervical screening programme, CervicalCheck, has launched its annual Pearl of Wisdom campaign.

Around 30,000 women throughout Europe, including 90 women in Ireland, die from cervical cancer 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.

"Each year in Ireland, around 300 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer and over 90 women die from the disease. The cervical screening provided by CervicalCheck, combined with the HPV vaccination programme, provides the opportunity to significantly reduce these rates," explained Cervical Check clinical director, Dr Grainne Flannelly.

She pointed out that to date, more than 79% of the eligible 1.2 million women have taken part in Cervical Check, however the screening programmes aims to increase number this further.

"Since the programme started, over 50,000 women have been treated for pre-cancerous changes, reducing their risk of cervical cancer by 90%. This week, we are calling on all women aged 25 to 60 to check when their next smear test is due, or arrange their first test with a doctor or nurse registered with CervicalCheck if they have never done so, and to share the wisdom with other women," Dr Flannelly said.

Figures show that women aged between 25 and 49 account for 74% of those screened through CervicalCheck. Those aged 50-60 account for just 20% of those screened, even though they represent 24% of the total screening population.

"There's sometimes a perception that this is a younger woman's issue. Women think they don't have to worry about cervical cancer after age 50, but women in middle age are still very much at risk," commented Dr Caitriona Henchion, medical director of the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA).

She emphasised that cervical cancer usually takes a long time to develop and often has no symptoms, so screening is essential to detect any potential abnormalities at the pre-cancer stage when it can be easily treated.

"Having a smear test is a quick, free and painless way to prevent the development of cervical cancer," Dr Henchion added.

The Pearl of Wisdom is the European symbol of cervical cancer prevention. This week, thousands of pearls will be distributed nationwide to highlight this issue.

For more information on CervicalCheck and how to avail of a free smear test, click here