asked the Minister for Health what percentage of cervical cancer-risk women here received a smear test; what steps are being taken to increase the number of women taking such tests; and the age group at which women are most at risk in respect of cervical cancer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cervical Cancer.
10.
I have not got the information which would enable calculations to be made as to the numbers of women in different age groups who have had a cervical smear test. As I mentioned in reply to a recent question I have asked St. Luke's Hospital to undertake a laboratory testing service which would be generally available for the examination of cervical smears. I understand that the hospital is agreeing in principle to provide this service and is taking steps to make it available as soon as possible.
The results which are at present available from a survey which is being carried out in Galway suggest that, while the risk of cervical cancer most commonly arises among women in the age groups from 30 years onwards, a higher than average risk attaches to the age group 40 to 49 years.
Is the Minister aware that research has been carried out in Britain which shows that the percentage of women who had undergone this test varies between 45 and 54 per cent? Would the Minister agree that all the indications here are that a much smaller percentage have undergone this test and in some regions, particularly in those where the likelihood of the ailment arising is greater, the percentage undergoing the test is much smaller? What steps has the Minister in mind to ensure that the availability of this test is increased?
I have already indicated that we are negotiating with St. Luke's Hospital for an extension of this service. I might add the comparison between ourselves and Great Britain is a difficult one to make because there is a general suggestion that the earlier marriage takes place the greater the likelihood of cervical cancer. There is a difference between a country with an early marriage rate and a country with a late marriage rate which makes comparisons extremely difficult to evaluate.
Will St. Luke's Hospital provide this service on a national scale?
Yes. They will provide it on a national scale on a gradual basis.