Wealthy are more likely to have cervical cancer screening, report shows

Researchers at NUI Galway hope a new study which highlights inequalities in the uptake of cervical cancer screening will help inform cancer control policies.

The working paper published by economists based at the Galway university, compared the number of people and their background's going forward for screening across Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and the US.

It found that while cervical cancer is known to be more prevalent among those from lower socio-economic groups the uptake of screening in Ireland, England and the US is highest among those from well-off backgrounds.

By contrast, in the North, the less well-off were more likely to avail of screening.

Economist at NUI Galway, Brendan Walsh said the report was important for those designing policy.

"When it's aimed at promoting uptake of screening, [it's important] that they bear in mind the difference between countries," she said.

"Especially in Ireland, those from richer backgrounds are more likely to go for a screen. This may be because they have private health insurance, which affords them quicker access to treatment after the screen, but also maybe due to understanding the screen or having knowledge of [it] in the first place."