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POLAND’S SIX-MONTH term at the head of the EU begins today.
The BBC notes that the country wants to promote further EU enlargement and build relations with the EU’s eastern and southern neighbours.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will face elections during the country’s presidency.
Poland is to host an ‘Eastern Partnership’ summit in September which will involve leaders from the EU and a number of former Soviet nations.
Polish website The News says that the country’s Ministry of Sport and Tourism will make tackling sports corruption and doping one of its priorities.
There have been a number of corruption allegations in Polish sport in recent times and sports ministry spokesman Jakub Kwiatkowski told Polish radio that Poland is to ask UEFA for help on the issue.
A further priority for Poland will be managing the sovereign debt crisis affecting Europe.
Negotiations will begin this year over the next EU budget, with Poland said to argue for a bigger budget to encourage growth.
Poland is the largest country to join the EU since its expansion and takes over from Hungary in holding the presidency for the latter half of 2011.
For more information read this story on the BBC News website>
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I’ve no medical experience whatsoever, but I’d be of the opinion that a lot of changes could happen to a person in 5 years. It seems like a long interval between tests.
@Patrick J. Keating: my reading of the science, from the article, is that in effect the HPV test detects potential cancer earlier, and that by extending the intervals more testing can be concentrated on people at medium to high risk of developing cancer.
@Patrick J. Keating: if you are hpv negative then the risk of developing cervical cancer is low therefore the intervals are further apart. If you are HPV positive then the risk is higher then the intervals are closer together so you can be monitored of any changes. Having the HPV veirsus does not mean you will get cervical cancer but not having the HPV virsus means you are unlikely. Hense the difference in interval times so the resources can be put to those who need it most.
@Rmaybe: if you’re HPV negative you should be getting the vaccine.
@Alan Peters: this is not true. Apart from the fact that there are not enough enough safety studies for women over the age of 26 receiving the vaccine, it not being detected in your smear does not mean you have not had previous exposure nor does it mean it will be effective and at €690 for a 3 shot course it’s out if the reach of many women. Regular screening is currently the best precaution for older women who are already sexually active.
@Patrick J. Keating: probably best to leave it up to those who do have medical experience so.
This was changed practically by stealth…a lot of women dont know about this change. The previous smear tests tested for abnormal cells as well as HPV. Now we are only testing for HPV and only when a positive result is recorded do we then investigate further regarding these abnormalities. After all of the scandal regarding cervical check I’m amazed anyone is still using the service. I pay privately in Northern Ireland for full screening every 3 years (or as often as I choose)
@Lynn Mcdonald: Irish health service run by Irish that’s what you get
@Lynn Mcdonald: The old smear tests tested for abnormal cells, never for HPV unless there were abnormal cells present. The thing is HPV is the biggest cause of cervical cancer. But a person may potentially have had HPV but yet not developed abnormal cells so could have gone on to develop cervical cancer by the time the next smear came around. So this screening is actually better.
https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/cervical-screening/what-cervical-screening-is.html
@Lynn Mcdonald: any women who go for their smear test are given this information
Five year testing intervals will mean more preventable deaths. A very bizarre decision.
@Mike Dunne: according to the studies referenced in the article, if even 10% of capacity generated were then focused on the higher risk cohort it will actually save 554 lives overall each year, I’m assuming these are UK figures however.
@Mike Dunne: The science speaks for itself in this case.
Not happy with those the HSE have already passed over now they are openly putting more women at risk and think they doing a good job.
Scandal after scandal.
@Derek Anderson: try researching before posting Derek cos that’s not true
So that that can’t be responsible for missing something. You’d think they’d want to improve the service, seeing that they have Literally Killed people with their negligence. A Lot can change in 5 yrs so they can just say well Your body changed we didn’t miss anything
@Orela Krawczyk: this is improving the service. It is screening for a virus that could cause changes before they actually happen rather than waiting for the changes to happen and then provide treatment
People choosing to be outraged rather than reading the article.
@EillieEs: I suspect plenty have just read the headline without any further reading or listening to their nurse when they’ve gone for their smear
I get private smear 100e in between the Cervical check appointments. Please inform all the ladies in your life, it could save a life.
@Sharon Weldon: Did you know, that once you go private and something is found that needs further investigating, you are removed from the HSE process, so won’t be referred for a colposcopy. It isn’t that easy then to have one privately. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30943439.html
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