Working Life: “Women aged 50 and over have the lowest uptake of cervical screening nationally”

Rachael Comer, education and training manager, screening training unit, HSE CervicalCheck

“I’m from Mayo originally, and trained as a nurse in Galway, but women’s health always felt like the right place for me. I went straight into midwifery in the Rotunda Hospital before returning west, where I worked as a midwife and completed a master’s degree in women’s health, followed by a master’s in nursing education.

“My work in gynaecology oncology was a turning point. I realised I wanted to work in prevention, not just after diagnosis. That led to seven years in colposcopy, where the impact of early detection was evident daily.

“During that time, I cared for women in their 50s with advanced cervical cancer who never attended cervical screening. It was heartbreaking to see that a test that could have been done for free, and might have changed their outcome, was never done.

“Those experiences inspired me to complete a PhD in nursing and midwifery, exploring the barriers and motivators to screening for women aged 50 and over — a group with the lowest uptake nationally. My aim was to understand how to better encourage screening in this age group.

Rachael Comer, education and training manager, screening training unit, HSE CervicalCheck

“My career later moved into education, first as a nurse tutor within the Centre of Nursing and Midwifery Education, then as ADON in nurse and midwifery medicinal product prescribing in the Office of Nursing and Midwifery Director.

“Five years ago, my dream role was advertised: education and training manager with the CervicalCheck Screening Training Unit. It brought together everything I value — women’s health, prevention, and professional education.

“Since starting, we have more than doubled the number of healthcare professionals accessing training, and supported the establishment of new screening clinics.

Every new screener means more women reached, and more opportunities for early intervention.

“Outside work, I enjoy being involved in my local Claremorris drama group, watching football, and keeping active in the gym.

“Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by detecting high-risk HPV — the virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases and, when needed, checking for cell changes in the cervix so they can be treated before they become cancer.

“As it’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week [January 19-25], I encourage anyone due for cervical screening, including women aged 50 to 65, to make an appointment.”

• Further information see: exa.mn/check