There have been 1,721 symptomatic GP referrals for prostate issues on the island in the last three years, figures released by Health Minister Claire Christian have revealed.
Despite this, the Isle of Man has no dedicated prostate cancer screening programme and allocates no specific resource to one.
Ms Christian confirmed the policy aligns with the UK National Screening Committee, which advises against routine screening due to the risk of “over diagnosis and unnecessary treatment” from the PSA blood test.
She told Keys that in 2022 there were 363 patients. In 2023 there were 452 patients in 2024 489 patients. And to date from January to October in 2025 there have been 417.
Pathways
Asked if the high referral rate indicated a need for a formal pathway, Ms Christian said pathways are a matter for Public Health, which is not currently reviewing the area.
Dr Alex Allinson told members that that an “urgent referral pathway” exists for those with symptoms or a raised PSA which then leads to further assessment for secondary care.
When Julie Edge MHK asked for data on cancer outcomes from the referrals, the minister suggested a written question may be the best way to secure full figures.