An MHK has said she will oppose a proposal in this year’s Mandate to Manx Care to reduce the frequency of cancer screenings.
Publish yesterday, the DHSC sets out what it wants Manx Care to do in the next year, which includes cuts in several areas.
Included in appendix two, titled core services, it sets out breast, bowel, and cervical cancer screening programmes.
It says: “Manx Care are asked to implement any recommendations made by the UK National Screening Committee, supported by the Department and Public Health Isle of Man.
“This includes decreasing frequency of routine screening for breast and cervical cancer.”
The UK National Screening Committee recommends all eligible women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday are invited to breast screening every three years.
On the island this is currently offered every two years.
Reacting to this, Julie Edge (Onchan) has said the mandate “raises serious concerns about the future of healthcare on our island, particularly in cancer screening services”.
Risk
She added: “Decreasing means less frequent checks for some of the most life-saving cancer screenings, potentially putting Manx lives at risk.
“At a time when early detection saves lives, cutting back on screening is unacceptable. This follows other cuts to services – which CoMin don’t think are cuts.”
Ms Edge added that the decision to hold screenings every two years was a Tynwald decision and not one she believes can be overridden in this way.
Carole Male, from Mannin Cancer Support, responded to Ms Edge’s post saying: “We cannot let this happen to our Cancer Screening and services!!!
“This is the mandate that our DHSC have just given to Manx Care for the future standards of health care provision (or lack of it) on our island.
“Yes we may constantly blame Manx Care for the cuts and their failings but this is coming direct from our government.”
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