Northern Ireland: Smear Tests To Be Rechecked For More Than 17,000 Women
As part of a massive cervical cancer smear test study spanning 15 years, the results of around 17,500 women's tests will be re-examined.
The Southern Health Trust screened a large number of women, however, a report released earlier this week by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) indicated that many of these women had negative cervical screening findings that would have been detected as potentially abnormal by other labs.
Therefore, about 17,500 tests performed between January 1, 2008, and October 2021, will be evaluated, and affected women will be notified.
Local officials meanwhile, are demanding that additional support services be made available to women affected. Linda Dillon, Sinn Fein MLA for Mid-Ulster, said: "It is deeply concerning to learn that around 17,500 women are to have their smear tests re-checked, particularly given that it dates back to 2008."
"The Department of Health and the relevant trusts need to ensure women’s health is a priority and ensure this backlog is dealt with as quickly as possible."
"The women affected by this backlog must be contacted as a matter of urgency and be fully supported through this process," said Ms Dillon. "I have written to the Department of Health seeking urgent clarity on their plan to speed this process up and assess the impact on the current backlog of smear test results."
She added: "Women need to know quickly if something is wrong so that it can be identified, allowing treatment to begin as soon as possible."
Women in the UK can access the testing service after they reach the age of 25. While this method cannot diagnose cancer on its own, it can assist in identifying and eliminating cancer-causing aberrant cells.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected as part of the screening process since it can lead to abnormal cell growth in the cervix. If human papillomavirus is detected, a cytology examination can detect any malignant cells.
The primary HPV screening system is not fully functional in Northern Ireland, unlike the rest of the UK.
A review of the tests in Northern Ireland will begin in the coming weeks, but if women are recalled for repeat cervical screening, the results may not be known for months or even years.
The Department of Health issued a statement saying, "The Department is closely monitoring the actions being taken at trust and regional level in response to the RCPath recommendations."
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 1st-21st), news came that screenings for cervical cancer in Northern Ireland were not being carried out properly.