European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2009
This year's European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week was held during the week of January 18 to 24, 2009. The primary objective for the IFPA's participation in the Prevention Week is to raise awareness about cervical cancer.
The week aims to inform women about how it can be prevented and give women information about how and where to access services.
The IFPA organised a range of activities to raise awareness abut cervical cancer, and particularly highlight the important role cervical cancer screening plays in prevention.
We worked closely with the National Cancer Screening Services programme CervicalCheck to promote the Pearl Of Wisdom as the international emblem for cervical cancer prevention.
10,000 Pearl of Wisdom badges were distributed by the IFPA nationwide during and after the week. All female politicians were sent a pearl.
A press event featuring Fair City actress Una Kavanagh, Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Eibhlin Byrne, IFPA Medical Director Dr Caitriona Henchion, IFPA Staff member Grace Wilentz. and there was significant press coverage of the week.
In 2008, a cervical cancer seminar for Irish politicians was held in Dublin. Subsequently the IFPA along with the Irish Cancer Society made presentations on the issue of cervical cancer prevention to the Joing Committee on Health and Children.
*Image: Fair City Actress Una Kavanagh with the Pearl of Wisdom