Cork GP urges cervical screening uptake by older people

A CORK GP has reminded people who fall in the older age bracket of the cervical screening programme “to remain vigilant and get their smears done every five years”.

Women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 65 are encouraged to go for regular cervical screening when it is due.

Those aged 25 to 29 are advised to get screened every three years, while those aged 30 to 65 are advised to get the free check every five years.

Speaking to The Echo, Mary Favier of Parklands Surgery on the Commons Rd in Blackpool said uptake of cervical screening can vary across cohorts.

“I think those with higher health literacy have better uptake of cervical screening,” said Dr Favier. “I think those who have less exposure to the educational system, less exposure to health information, those who may not speak English as a first language, they’re all more challenged in terms of access to health information broadly, but particularly in this area, and then there could be taboos around things like having internal examinations done that can affect people.

“But, as a general rule, people are becoming much more aware.

“I think the groups we really need to pay attention to now are those groups who are particularly vulnerable… but also the older age group.

“Cervical screening has now been extended to the age of 65, it had been 60, and it’s really important that we emphasise that older women get their smears done.”

People who fall in the older bracket of the programme “need to remain vigilant and get their smears done every five years”.

Dr Favier issued the timely reminder this January which marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

The former Irish College of General Practitioners president said while cervical screening is a “quick and easy procedure”, some people, including those who may have suffered sexual abuse, can be apprehensive about the test.

“Our practice nurses are specifically trained to be sensitive and to really take it slowly, ask are the women okay,” she said.

“Sometimes, it’s helpful to even attend with a friend if you’re anxious, or somebody who has had a smear done before.”

For more information on cervical screening, click here