1,500 women may be affected by Cervical Check controversy

May 2, 2018

It is understood that an additional 1,500 women are at risk of being affected by the Cervical Check controversy.

The HSE has shared that the National Cancer Registry registered 3,000 cervical cancer cases in the past ten years, however, only 1,482 of these cases were analysed by the CervicalCheck screening programme.

This means that this group of women may have to have their smear tests audited.

Minister for Health, Simon Harris confirmed that the women were not included in the audit, “Whilst I had previously been advised, and it had been commonly understood that CervicalCheck clinical audit covered all cases notified to the National Cancer Registry, I have been informed this afternoon that this is not the case.”

Health Minister Simon Harris tells the Dáil there are a "potentially considerable number" of other cervical cancer cases which were not audited #cervicalcancer #iestaff via @Ocionnaith

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) May 1, 2018

“I have been informed that a potentially significant number of cases will not have been subjected to an audit of their screening history,” he added.

He stressed that the group who weren’t included in the review had already been diagnosed with cancer, “These are women who have already been diagnosed with cervical cancer and treated as such, but their cases have not been included in a clinical audit."

Simon Harris confirmed that audits will be carried out in the additional cases.

Health Minister says more than 208 women may have been affected by cervical cancer controversy pic.twitter.com/P0Pdx3snsi

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 1, 2018

If you have had a smear test and would like a recheck for reassurance, you can arrange it with your GP and have it paid for by CervicalCheck.

Every woman is entitled to the service and the CervicalCheck helpline number is 1800 454555. The line will open between 9 am and 6 pm.

My sister died from cervical cancer at 25: screening must start earlier

Jan 12, 2017

by Amber Saunders

The brother of a young woman who battled cervical cancer before passing away at the age of 25 insists that change is needed in order to protect young women against the disease.

Amber Rose Cliff was just 18 when she began exhibiting worrying symptoms, and despite requesting numerous screenings, Amber from Sunderland was refused one.

As NHS guidelines stipulate women should be 25 before availing of their screening service, Amber, then 21, sought help privately and was dealt a devastating blow when she learned she had a tumour growing in her cervix.

"We went for a private smear test when she was about 21, three years after she’d first been to the doctors," Josh explained.

"It turned out that the cancerous tumour in her cervix had been growing for years."

Amber underwent multiple operations in addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but was dealt another devastating blow when she learned that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, lungs and throat.

And last Sunday, at the age of 25, Amber died.

Determined to initiate change, Josh is appealing to the public to sign an online petition which would allow any woman, who is under the age of 25 and experiencing symptoms, to avail of a screening.

"It shouldn’t be mandatory but that option needs to be there," Josh insisted.

Dr Jana Witt, health information officer at Cancer Research UK has, however, expressed reservations about Josh's campaign.

"This is because cervical changes that screening detects in younger women tend to clear up by themselves and are less likely to develop into cancer, so screening may lead to unnecessary tests and treatment."

Dr Witt does, however, encourage young women to seek medical attention if certain symptoms present.

"Whatever your age or screening history, if you notice symptoms such as bleeding between periods, after sex, after the menopause, or any other unusual changes, it’s really important to contact your GP."

20,000 people have, thus far, signed an online petition to bring Amber's Law into effect, and Amber's family is currently fundraising in memory of their sister, daughter and friend.

‘This angel’: Jack Tweed’s moving anniversary tribute to Jade Goody

Feb 23, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Next month will mark seven years since TV personality Jade Goody tragically died from cervical cancer, and today her husband Jack Tweed shared a heartbreaking tribute.

The couple married on February 22, 2009, exactly a month before Jade's death. On the day they married, Jade sadly discovered that her cancer had spread and become terminal.

"Married this angel seven years ago today," Jack reminisced on Instagram next to a snap of himself and Jade, who had lost her hair from chemo by that stage.

The pair began dating in 2006 when Jack was just 19, and he spent various spells in prison during their three year relationship.

Prior to meeting Jack, Jade dated fellow TV personality Jeff Brazier, with whom she had two sons, Bobby, now 12, and Freddie, now 11.

Jeff, now a life coach, spoke last year about how has tried to keep the boys' mum's memory alive – but admitted it hasn't always been easy.

"On the 15th of each month that's 'mummy day'. We can talk about her obviously at any time and we do, but the 15th of the month means we are particularly focused on it.

"It's hurting them more not to talk about it than it is to actually put it down on paper and do something with it."

Diagnosed with cervical cancer at 24: one Tipperary woman’s story

Feb 18, 2016

by Amber Saunders

A young woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer has shared her story online to warn others of the signs and symptoms.

Heather Keating from Tipperary was diagnosed with cancer of the cervix at just 24-years-old.

Beforehand she went to her doctor because she was getting irregular bleeding and bleeding after sex.

Her doctor told her that since she was only 24 she wasn't eligible to get a smear test and to come back when she turns 25.

But the symptoms persisted and worsened and Heather became anaemic. It was then that she was referred to a specialist who diagnosed her with stage one cervical cancer.

This week is cervical cancer awareness week. So please share my story to let people know the importance of going for…

Posted by Heather Keating on Monday, 25 January 2016

In her message on Facebook, Heather said, "never in my wildest dreams did I think I had cancer."

Fortunately, her cancer was caught early and didn't spread. Four weeks later she was given the all-clear (you go, girl!).

But the whole experience came with a lot of pain. "That was the most dramatic emotionally painful experience of my life and no one should ever have to go through it."

Many have taken to Heather's status to wish her words of support and love:

If you or any of your loved ones have been affected by cervical cancer, you can learn more about it here.

Due your first smear test? Don’t panic, ladies… here’s what to expect

Sep 25, 2015

by Amber Saunders

If you're 25 or older, you've probably had your first smear test by now under the Cervical Check programme.

But even if you're under that age, you've probably heard mutterings about the dreaded smear. So what's it all about? Well, first things first, it's definitely NOT as bad as it sounds.

Here's what you'll need to know about your first smear test, and what to expect if the results are abnormal.

Why do we need a smear?
A smear test, or a cervical screening, simply tests for changes in the cells at the neck of the womb (the cervix). The cells in your vagina are a different shape to those inside the womb, so the cervix's 'transformation zone' is where any changes will be detected.

Basically, if anything looks out of place, that's where it'll be.

If left unchecked, certain cell changes can develop into cervical cancer. As these changes happen slowly, cervical cancer CAN be prevented, which is why us ladies require cervical screenings at least every three years from the age of 25 onwards.

What happens during a smear test – is it going to be super-painful?
Super-painful? No. A bit uncomfortable? Yes.

First things first, you'll be given a few minutes to get undressed from the waist down. You'll be given a gown or a paper sheet to cover up with, and asked to hop up on the exam table.

You may be asked to place your heels in stirrups, or else just to scooch down to the bottom of the table. Either way, don't get embarrassed – the doctor or nurse sees vaginas of all shapes and sizes every day.

Every. Single. Day.

Now for the fun part – the actual test. A plastic device called a speculum is inserted into your vagina, simply for the purpose of holding it open a little wider. You can expect to feel some pressure down there.

Then, a swab or brush is used to remove a sample of cells from your cervix. This is no different to any mouth swab you may have had at the dentist before, except you may feel a slight pinch as the cervix is a little more sensitive.

The gown or sheet will mean you won't see what's going on, which definitely makes things far less scary.

Afterwards, you'll be given a small pad to wear in case of any discharge or blood spotting, but otherwise you're fine to go about your business.

Can I forget about smears for three years after that?
If your results come back normal, yes. However, in many cases, an abnormal result may be found and you'll be called to your local hospital for a Colposcopy.

This basically a closer look at the cervix, for which the doctor will use a type of microscope (it doesn't go inside you), and may also apply some liquid dye to the area to help identify changes.

A colposcopy is nothing to worry about – abnormalities are extremely common and are taken as a very early warning that further changes MAY occur to the cells if left untreated. Being called back for a colposcopy does NOT mean that you have cervical cancer.

You'll be asked for a urine sample at the hospital, so be prepared for that.

Before your colposcopy, the doctor will explain exactly what's about to happen. As with the smear, you'll be asked to get undressed from the waist down before getting onto the exam table, and the speculum will be used.

If the doctor feels an even closer look is needed, another sample of cells will be taken from the area. This is called a cervical biopsy and at most you'll feel one or two pinches down there as it's taken.

If the area of abnormal cells is larger, the doctor may use local anaesthetic to avoid any pain for you.

What happens after a colposcopy?
As with the smear, you'll be given a pad to wear for the day. If you've had a cervical biopsy, there's a "nothing up there for one week" rule – so no sex, tampons, baths or swimming. Like with any small cut or wound elsewhere on your body, the cervix needs a little time to heal.

As well as some blood spotting, you may see some watery discharge that is sometimes grey in colour (because of the product used during the colposcopy).

If the bleeding is heavier than a normal period, you should visit your GP as there could be some infection.

Lab results can take 6 – 8 weeks to come back. If they're normal, you'll be sent an appointment for another smear in a year's time. If any pre-cancerous cells are detected, you'll be called back in to have them lasered off – another procedure that we promise sounds FAR scarier than it is.

Smear tests and all that follow might not be the most pleasant part of adult life, but they are oh-so important to preventing any health issues further down the line.

Stars back cervical cancer awareness with lippie selfies

Jan 29, 2015

by Amber Saunders

First there were ‘no make-up’ selfies to support breast cancer and the water bucket challenge to raise money for ALS, now there is a new selfie trend!

Celebrities such as Georgia May Jagger have now joined the #SmearForSmear social media campaign, which was started by UK charity, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in a bid to urge women to undergo smear tests.

Cervical Cancer Campaign #smearforsmear @JoTrust I nominate @sukiwaterhouse @caradelevingne @jasminebydesign

Ein von Georgia May Jagger (@georgiamayjagger) gepostetes Foto am 27. Jan 2015 um 6:46 Uhr

The move comes as the European Cervical Prevention Week is in full swing, with women across Ireland being urged to undergo a smear test. Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Europe, with over 300 cases diagnosed in Ireland each year.

Cervical Check Ireland have also launched their #ShareTheWisdom campaign, urging women to encourage one another to go for a smear test.

To learn more about cervical cancer in Ireland, and find out when and where you can get your first or next smear, check out CervicalCheck.ie.

Could there be an easy alternative to the dreaded smear test?

Sep 18, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Smear tests are so important for our health and peace of mind, but they’re definitely not something we look forward to. Like getting a filling at the dentist, or booking our next bikini wax, a smear test is something that all women anticipate with a certain sense of dread.

Although rarely painful, a smear test is usually somewhat uncomfortable. The process is a little bizarre too – a speculum (that strange duck-lips thing) is inserted into the vagina and a small cell sample is taken from your cervix using a specialised brush. Ew.

That’s why we were VERY happy to hear the news that a urine test could possibly be a viable alternative to a smear.

Researchers at the London School of Medicine and Dentistry compared the effectiveness of urine samples versus smear tests in detecting the presence of HPV – human papillomavirus, the virus that causes cervical cancer – and found that urine tests could be equally accurate.

More research is needed, but we’re hopeful!

For now though, doctors recommend a smear test every three years for anyone between the ages of 25 and 60. Luckily, smear tests are free for Irish women under the government-funded CervicalCheck programme – just contact your GP or local women’s health clinic for more information.