Breast cancer charities have cancelled a planned protest outside Tynwald this week after talks with government.
Breast Cancer Now, Manx Breast Cancer Support and Isle of Man Breast Care had planned to hold the protest on Tuesday morning.
However, after the charities met with the DHSC on Friday, they have confirmed that they will no longer be going ahead with their pink protest.
Angie Aire, from Breast Cancer Now, said: “Thank you to everyone who offered to come & protest with us, we are delighted that we have been listened to and a guarantee that no changes will take place without consultation with the breast cancer charities & stakeholders in the future .”
Manx Breast Cancer Support said that the charities have been given confirmation they will be included in the clinical review that the government is planning over the next year.
‘At Present’
On Saturday a DHSC spokesperson said: “At present there has been no decision to change the breast screening interval on the Isle of Man.
:The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) continues to support Manx Care in delivering a 2-year automatic Breast Screening Programme.
“Public Health Isle of Man, with input from Manx Care and the DHSC, will be undertaking this review over the course of the next year, and will look at the latest available evidence, considering our local context, demographic needs, and healthcare capacity.
“The outcome of this review will inform any future decisions. There will be community engagement alongside this review, including with local charities and stakeholders, and no changes will happen without taking account of everyone’s views.
“The Department fully understands and acknowledges the depth of feeling about the frequency of breast screening, and would like to thank Manx Breast Cancer Support for engaging in a constructive conversation with the DHSC and Cabinet Office yesterday to discuss and alleviate concerns.”
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