One fifth of women have never had smear test

Around one fifth of Irish women have never had a smear test for cervical cancer, according to a survey conducted by the Irish Cancer Society.

The research was carried out earlier this year among a sample of 500 women.

The Cancer Society says those who never had a smear test identified fear as the main reason for not getting tested.

The society has been campaigning for some time for the introduction of a nationwide cervical screening programme.