Cervical screening (a smear test) is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It's offered free of charge to women between the ages of 25-65.

It is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer from developing. Cervical screening can detect signs of cervical cancer in people with no symptoms.

If you are age 25 to 29, you are screened every 3 years. You are screened more often than people over 30 because you are more likely to have HPV.

You are screened every 5 years from age 30 to 65.

You can make an appointment with our nurse to have a cervical screening test. Phone: 061597188

You can read more

You can find out when your next cervical screening is due: check it

If you need any help, please call our reception on 061597188

THINGS TO REMEMBER before booking the test:

*After pregnancy: book the test 3 months after your baby is born.

*After miscarriage: book the test 3 months after the miscarriage

*If you have never had sexual contact: your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low if you have never had any kind of sexual contact. This does not mean there is no risk of developing cervical cancer. But there is a very low risk.

*What should you avoid before cervical screening?

Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a smear test, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells

Are 50+ ?

Check for cancer (cancer antigen blood test CA 125 done in our surgery and mammography)

If you are 50+ you are eligible for free Breast Check (mammography). More: Breast Check

If you need an assistance with registration for the Breast Check Programme , please call our reception

There are many health screening tests that are age-specific and may not be needed every year. Others should be done annually, including:

• Height and weight
• blood pressure
• blood and urine test (which are recommended by your doctor)
• flu shot

Specifically of your age:

18 - 39

• a cholesterol check should be completed in your twenties, and then annually once you turn 35; it will be checked every five years if normal, annually if you have risk factors
• full body skin check to examine for suspicious moles or skin lesions
• women: exam for breast lumps
• women: pelvic exam
• women: pap smear should be conducted every three years starting at the age of 21

40 - 64

The screenings in the 18 - 39 age group should continue to be completed annually, or as recommended by your physician.

• women: mammograms start the age of 40 and should be done annually; if breast cancer runs in your family or you have other risk factors, you may need to begin regular mammograms at an earlier age
• full body scan for suspicious moles or skin lesions should be completed annually, as well as fasting blood sugar levels for signs of diabetes
• colonoscopy should be completed at age 45 or ten years earlier than the youngest family member with colon cancer; with normal results, colorectal cancer screenings should be completed every 10 years

65 YEARS AND OLDER

Many of the screenings above should still be completed annually, in addition to those screening tests, there are a few that you should start at the age of 65:

• starting at the age of 65, women should have a bone density study every 2 - 5 years; this may start at the age of 60 if you’re in a high-risk population
• ask your physician about need for pneumococcal vaccinations
• pneumonia vaccine every five years for certain conditions and risk factors
• height and weight (shrinking height could be a sign of osteoporosis)

There are also some screening tests that your doctor might recommend based on your health history. For example, your physician may recommend a CT lung cancer screening if you are between the ages of 55 and 74 and are a current or former smoker with a history of at least 30 “pack years” of smoking. If you do not meet these guidelines, this screening will not be recommended for you.

It’s important to share any concerns or questions you have, and any changes to your health history. This history could be critical to the care and screenings your doctor suggests to maximize your health. Be aware that medical card do not cover prophylactic screening tests therefore some of the above-mentioned test can be payable.

What does well-woman service involve?

A Well Woman check involves a questionnaire and full history, a complete physical examination and various investigations as blood test inc. sex hormone tests, urine test. 

If the need arise...

Referring to gynaecologist at University Hospital for free (after consultation with our GP)

Referring to breast clinic for free (after consultation with our GP)

Referring to a smear test for free (after consultation with our GP)

Now all women aged between 17 and 31 years of age can avail of free contraception.