THE take up of a new bowel cancer screening programme which was launched last year has been "disappointing" according to the Department of Health.
Each year 25 people in the Isle of Man die from the disease but the screening programme, which tests people before symptoms present, could save four to five lives.
Statistics show that between July and November last year 1,353 test kits were sent out however only 435 were returned.
Dr Kishore, the director of public health, said: "Bowel Cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer and if caught early the success rate is very high and complete cure is possible.
"That's why this programme has been introduced. It has been done in several parts of the world and has been shown to save lives.
"The slightly disappointing thing in the Isle of Man is that the initial uptake has been quite poor – only 1 in 3 people have returned their test.
"This is not surprising because initially people don't understand the importance of returning it. What we want to emphasise is that it's important to return the test kit because potentially it could save their life."
The testing kit, which is sent out automatically to residents aged 60 to 69, requires the recipient to take three stool samples which are then sent to an NHS testing centre in Rugby.
The samples are examined for traces of blood and if they come back positive a follow up appointment is made for the person at Noble's Hospital and they will undergo a colonoscopy procedure.
Dr Simon Stock, a surgeon at Noble's Hospital, said the colonoscopy – where a camera is inserted into the bowel – would show if the patient required further treatment.
He explained: "We would hope that people who are picked up by the screening programme would at most need an operation. Catch these things early and you can prevent the need for additional treatment. If you do catch bowel cancer early it is treatable."
Someone who knows how important the screening programme can be is 67 year old Simon Wheeler.
After his sample tested positive Mr Wheeler was referred for the colonoscopy procedure where it was found he had polyps.
The polyps, which are abnormal growths of tissue which can lead to bowel cancer, were removed during the process and Simon now has the all clear.
He has urged his fellow residents to "get the test out of the drawer", do it and send it away.
Mr Wheeler said: "It has always struck me to be totally irresponsible of people if they don't participate in a testing programme. Bowel screening is just another of these processes. In fact the implications of not having it done can be terminal.
"The process is so easy – ok yes it's a specimen collection but that's in the privacy of your own home – you don't have to publicise that fact!
"Most intelligent people will accept that this process is pretty accurate, can be done without trouble and can give positive benefits. Yes of course there is a slight apprehension but if you're afraid of anything don't cross the road.
"I don't, unless there is good reason, use the phrase 'stupid' but a lot of people in this situation are basically stupid and don't do justice to themselves."
The Department of Health has said reminder letters will be sent out to all people who have received a test but not yet responded. Anyone who would like more information about the screening programme should visit www.gov.im/health.
Also see: Don’t be squeamish – protect yourself against bowel cancer
