Smear test restrictions see fall in screenings

RESTRICTIONS to the state’s free cervical cancer screening programme has seen a fall in the number of women availing of the possibly life-saving test, new figures reveal.

A free and accessible cervical cancer screening programme was the most effective way to ensure women attended for regular smear tests, Well Woman insisted yesterday.

CervicalCheck changed its policy last September and only women in receipt of an “invitation letter” can now access a free test.