Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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179. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing free cervical smear testing for those aged under 25 years following concern about the prohibitive fee of €80; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16942/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme, was introduced in 2008 and offers free smear tests to women aged 25 - 60. The decision to limit smear tests to women aged 25 and over was made following careful consideration of the risks of cervical cancer and the benefits of population screening, based on the examination of evidence by both Irish and international experts. In that regard the recommendation from the International Agency on Cancer Research is that effective population based cervical screening programmes should be aimed at women aged over 25 years.

Cancer of the cervix is extremely rare in women aged under 25. While changes in the cells of the cervix are very common for this age cohort, in the vast majority of cases, these changes will settle and return to normal without intervention. If the screening age was lowered to invite those under 25 for smear tests, young women could be subjected to unnecessary treatment that may have potential long-term negative effects on their health and fertility.

I fully accept that early detection of cervical cancer is very important for effective treatment. I would encourage all women aged under 25 to be vigilant about their health and to consult their GP immediately if they have any concerns or symptoms such as abnormal bleeding. In such cases a biopsy through a hospital service is the most likely way forward, rather than a screening process.

In relation to preventing cervical cancer in younger women, I would encourage all 12-18 year olds to avail of the free HPV vaccination which is offered to all second level schoolgirls.