Cervical Check is a government-funded service that provides free cervical screening (smear tests) to women aged 25 to 60. CervicalCheck became available nationwide on 01 September 2008. A successful national screening programme in Ireland has the potential to cut current incidence rates from cervical cancer by up to 80%.

The purpose of screening is to detect cell changes before they become cancerous. Most smear test results are found to be normal with only a small number of women requiring further investigation or treatment. CervicalCheck provides free smear tests every three years to women aged 25 to 44 and every five years to women aged 45 to 60, once they have had two 'no abnormality detected' smear test results at three yearly intervals.

CervicalCheck has registered 4,000 smeartakers in over 1,400 locations nationwide.

To avail of a free smear test, women can arrange an appointment with a smeartaker (doctor or practice nurse) of choice who is registered with CervicalCheck. GPs, practice nurses, Women's Health, Family Planning and Well Woman Clinics all over Ireland are registered to take smear tests.

CervicalCheck is a quality assured programme that operates a multi disciplinary team approach to detection, diagnosis and treatment, in line with best international practice. As part of the CervicalCheck programme, women receive a letter about their results within four weeks of having their smear test. All smear test tests are also available from a woman’s nominated smeartaker.

The CervicalCheck website (www.cervicalcheck.ie) contains information for women and health professionals about the programme, cervical screening and having a smear test. Details of smeartakers are available on a county by county basis to enable women to choose a smeartaker of their choice in their local area. Other materials available include a suite of information brochures and programme news updates.

CervicalCheck contact details:

Freephone 1800 45 45 55

Email: info@cervicalcheck.ie