A BOWEL cancer screening programme has been launched in the Isle of Man for the first time today (Friday).
The £300,000 programme will be rolled out to every resident aged between 60 and 69 to screen for the disease which is the third most common form of cancer in the Isle of Man and UK.
Over the next two years each applicable resident will receive a testing kit through the post and will be required to send a stool sample to an NHS testing centre where it will be examined for blood.
The screening programme is designed to test people for the disease before it presents any symptoms. Anyone who is found to have blood in their stools will be referred to Noble's Hospital for further tests.
Each year 25 people die of bowel cancer in the Island but it is hoped that the screening programme will save four to five of these lives.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "I am delighted to announce the start of this programme. This is yet another example of the Department of Health taking cancer care and prevention most seriously."
Treasury Minister Anne Craine MHK said: "Even in these times of financial hardship my department found extra resources to fund this initiative. The Isle of Man Government and the Treasury will continue to give priority to health issues and seek to ensure that our population remains as healthy as possible."
Also see: Don't be squeamish – protect yourself against bowel cancer
Bowel cancer charity "delighted" over new screening programme
