SINN Féin Councillor Caoimhe McKnight has called on all women who are eligible to have regular Smear Tests to do so.Cllr. McKnight said: “I can speak from experience when I say that a Smear Test could literally save your life.
“When living in Scotland at the age of 21 (which is the age there at which you are eligible for a smear) I received the notification of my eligibility and advised to avail of it.
“But like many young women I put it off for a couple of months before finally going for the test.
“When I tell you how grateful I am that I made the decision to have the test it is no exaggeration.
“It was lucky (yes Lucky) that I made the decision to have the test as they found abnormal cells. I dread to think what I may have been told if I had to wait until the age of 25 before being tested.
“After treatment and a few yearly smears everything is now fine and I am now in the normal 3 year test cycle.
“So from personal experience I can’t encourage women strongly enough to go get checked out…I can assure you the peace of mind is worth any embarrassment in having this potentially life-saving procedure.
“This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.
“One in four women aged 25-64 don’t get tested and this falls to 1 in 3 for 25-29 year olds.
“Smear tests prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers – the most common form of cancer in women under 35 – so it is concerning that so many women don’t get tested.
“It is therefore extremely important that all eligible women are pro-active in getting appointments for their smear when invited to do so. It can save your life,” added Cllr McKnight.
