The Chief Minister says there is no current plan to reduce the frequency of cancer screenings, but there is to be a clinical review.
Alf Cannan has responded to a letter from Onchan MHK Rob Callister and said the regime “remains a vital part of our healthcare delivery”.
The Mandate to Manx Care set out that it is “asked to implement any recommendations made by the UK National Screening Committee, supported by the Department and Public Health Isle of Man”.
It added: “This includes decreasing the frequency of routine screening for breast and cervical cancer.
“The Department has asked Public Health to provide support in forecasting changes to screening programmes in the longer term and modelling the impact on the local population.”
However, the Chief Minister has said that there are “currently no supported recommendations to change standards in the Isle of Man”.
Mandate
Mr Cannan said: “The Mandate is clear (as in previous years) that quality standards for breast, bowel and cervical cancer are defined by Public Health. I am assured that Manx Care continued to follow Isle of Man Public Health policy directives on screening recommendations.
“The Director of Public Health has informed me that Public Health have not recommended changes to current breast or other cancer screening standards.
“However, a clinical review of screening programmes will take place over the next 12 months, to ensure our services are underpinned by the best scientific evidence and advice. This assessment will include an evaluation of current UK standards.
“Public Health will be engaging with stakeholders and the public to provide assurance on any future recommended changes.
“In conclusion, Public Health continues to evaluate best practice when it comes to cancer screening. There are currently no supported recommendations to change standards in the Isle of Man.”
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