Claire wears her "Pearl of Wisdom" to fight Cervical Cancer
Issued : Monday 19 January, 2009

Claire is asking the people of the North Inner City, and women in particular, to show their support for European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week by wearing 'Pearl of Wisdom' badges and urging their women friends and family members to be more vigilant about cervical cancer screening and vaccination.

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week takes place all this week (19th - 24th January). Its aim is to promote better awareness of all aspects of cervical cancer and, in particular, to highlight how women can prevent it by having regular smear tests, which provides the best method of protection against cervical cancer. Women are also encouraged to discuss the merits of getting vaccinated against the disease with their GP.

According to Claire, the majority of Irish women are unaware of what causes cervical cancer, or do not realise that it is a preventable disease.

"In Ireland approximately 73 women die from cervical cancer each year, and 180 women are newly diagnosed. This is shameful when you realise that it is a preventable disease," says Claire.

This week, Claire was on the streets of the North Inner City distributing 'Pearls of Wisdom' badges, which are the emblem of the campaign.

"I have been asking people to show their support by wearing the badge, and to talk to their friends about how they can avoid this very preventable disease. I am promoting this campaign in the North Inner City because I hope that this week will show how important it is to regularly attend clinics for smear tests and to discuss vaccination with their doctors if appropriate."

Claire is encouraging all women to get informed about cervical screening, vaccination and cervical cancer. Please Freefone the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700 or visit: www.cervicalcheck.ie