Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
100 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the cervical screening programme established in the mid-west has successfully screened high risk groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26229/04]
View answerA pilot cervical screening programme commenced in October 2000 and is available to eligible women resident in the Mid-Western Health Board region. Under the programme, cervical screening is being offered, free of charge, to approximately 74,000 women in the 25 to 60 age group, on a structured call and recall basis, at five year intervals. All women in the age cohort are eligible to avail of the programme.
The aim of the cervical screening programme is to detect abnormal pre-cancerous conditions in asymptotic women which, if left untreated, may become cancerous. To date, 45,000 women have availed of screening. The vast majority of women participating are aged 25-44 years.
