Public Health says it has not recommended changes to frequency of breast screening

But clinical review of all screening programmes will take place over next year

Public Health says it has not recommended changes to the frequency of breast screening ‘at this point in time’.

It follows concerns raised by the public, backbench MHKs and Manx charities following the publication of Manx Care’s Mandate and Operating Plan for the year ahead.

The Mandate is issued by the Department of Health and Social Care to the health body to implement from 1 April 2025.

It says programmes for bowel, breast and cervical screening will be defined by Public Health Isle of Man and managed by the Screening Board.

Manx Care has been asked to implement any changes made by the UK National Screening Committee – supported by the DHSC and Public Health.

This includes decreasing the frequency of routine screening for breast and cervical cancer.

The DHSC has also asked Public Health to provide support in forecasting changes to screening programmes in the longer term and modelling the impact on the local population.

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has described this as a ‘backward step’; you can find out more HERE.

A statement from Director of Public Health Matt Tyrer said: “A clinical review of all cancer screening programmes will take place over the next 12 months to ensure our services are underpinned by the best scientific evidence and advice.

“Public Health will engage with stakeholders and the public to provide assurance on any future recommended changes.”

In a letter to Onchan MHK Rob Callister (10 March), who has been critical of the plans, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan says Public Health continues to ‘evaluate best practice’ when it comes to cancer screening.

He adds: “There are currently no supported recommendations to change standards in the Isle of Man.”  

The health and social care minister has also told Manx Radio that there are no plans to change cancer screening on the Isle of Man.

That's despite it being included in the Mandate her department has issued to Manx Care: