Fianna Fáil Senator Teresa Costello, and Fianna Fáil’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health, has described the launch of a roll-out of home smear test kits next year as “a game-changing tool in our arsenal” in the fight to eliminate cervical cancer.
CervicalCheck is now starting preparations for a national feasibility study of HPV self-sampling, which ‘may make screening easier and more accessible’.
This will offer women the choice of completing their smear test at home – a move Senator Costello believes could remove one of the biggest barriers women faces.
Speaking about the planned rollout, she said:
“This is a no-brainer. Women are busy, and many of us feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or anxious about going to the GP for a smear. I know that feeling myself. Being able to do the test in your own time, in your own home, will make testing more accessible, especially for women who are overdue or have never been screened.”
A recent HSE report confirms that the self-sampling study has been completed, and the system will be assessed and rolled out next year, with full details on how the programme will work.
Whilst attending your GP surgery for the test should still be the priority, self-sampling smear tests can help improve uptake in under-screened women, which is vitally important if we are to eliminate the disease.
Senator Costello noted that Ireland is now catching up with other EU countries that have already introduced home testing:
“The ideal here is still to present to your GP for a smear, but self-sample testing is a tool we must utilise. We’re coming into line with the rest of Europe. In Stockholm, the first year of home sampling saw a 10% jump in screening coverage – from 75% to 85%. If we can achieve anything close to that here, we give ourselves the best shot at eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.”
She also said the success of antigen testing during COVID-19 proves that people are willing and able to use home tests when it protects public health.
“During COVID, antigen tests helped us detect disease early and relieve pressure on the system. We should be taking the same innovative approach to cancer prevention. Early detection works – we’ve seen it, and we should use every tool available to us.”
As a breast cancer survivor, Senator Costello spoke personally about why she believes this rollout matters.
“Early detection saves lives. I know it – I’ve lived it. I understand the fear, and I understand the discomfort, but a few seconds of discomfort could save your life.
“I’m alive today because my cancer was found early. If home testing gives another woman that same chance, then we have to grab it with both hands.”