Cervical Check – The National Cervical Screening Programme is a quality assured, organised and population-based screening programme that is managed by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS). The programme provides free cervical screening (smear tests) to women aged 25 to 60 and is operated in line with best international practice. The programme is funded by the Department of Health and Children.
A smear test (sometimes called a pap test) can detect changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb). The earlier abnormal cell changes are found, the easier they are to treat.
Cervical screening is internationally accepted as a preventative health measure. While it is recognised that no screening test is 100 per cent accurate, cervical screening is the most effective method of reducing a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.