The Programme provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60 who are eligible for screening. Cervical screening is the most effective method of reducing a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. A smear test is used for cervical screening and is a simple procedure to detect pre-cancerous cells.
What is CervicalCheck?
CervicalCheck - The National Cervical Screening Programme is a Government-funded service that provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening tests women for changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb) by a smear test.
What is a smear test?
A smear test (sometimes called a pap test) is used for cervical screening. It is a simple procedure where a doctor or nurse (smeartaker) takes a sample of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb) to look for early changes. A smear test can identify cell changes before they become cancer cells. If these cells are not found and treated, they could become cancerous.
Who should have a smear test?
Every woman aged between 25 and 60 should have a regular smear test and continue to have regular smear tests after the menopause. If you are aged over 60 years and have never had a smear test, please contact your local CervicalCheck registered smeartaker to discuss your cervical screening needs.
Why should I have this test?
Quite simply, having a regular smear test could save your life.
How can I be part of the Programme?
To avail of a free Programme smear test, please contact a registered CervicalCheck smeartaker. For details of registered smeartakers convenient to you, check under the Find a smeartaker section of this website.
When is the best time to have a smear test?
The best time to attend for your smear test is mid-cycle - that is, 10 to 14 days after the first day of your period (if you are having periods