Government confirms no plans to change frequency of cancer screenings

Concerns raised after the wording of Manx Care's Mandate suggested they'd be reduced

Government's confirmed there has been no decision to change the frequency of breast cancer screenings on the Isle of Man.

The Department of Health and Social Care says it will continue to support Manx Care in delivering an automatic two-year check-up.

It's after concerns were raised following the publication of the healthcare body's Mandate, which suggested reducing them to every three years.

Public Health is still going to undertake a review of the service, but no changes will now happen without consulting the community, including local charities and stake holders.

Currently there are plans for three Manx breast cancer charities to join forces and protest the move outside this month's sitting of Tynwald, which starts on Tuesday.

The charities - Breast Cancer Now, Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, and Isle of Man Breast Care - say 'these changes must not happen or we as an island will be facing late diagnosis, longer and more complex treatments and likely more lives lost.'

In a statement, DHSC says: "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 [Friday 14 March] to discuss and alleviate concerns."

Breast Cancer Now says: "We have been given written assurance from the DHSC that they will commit to invite us to participate in such a review, taking account of everyone’s views. No changes will be made to the 2 Yearly program without consultation with our Charity and other stakeholders.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every person who has supported us by signing our petition and contacting their MHK."