A THREE stage plan to develop the breast care service in the Isle of Man has been published by the Department of Health.

Health Minister David Anderson MHK revealed today that the future of the service has been broken down into three stages.

These are:
- To fund and appoint a permanent consultant breast surgeon

- Introduce a sentinel node biopsy service (this will reduce the amount of tissue that has to be examined to see if a cancer has spread)

- Introduce a planned breast reconstruction service

Mr Anderson said: "For the first time we plan to permanently offer an on-Island sentinel node biopsy service and a planned breast reconstruction service, which safely meets our patients’ needs within our phased plan. 

"These are real and significant developments demonstrating the government’s commitment to breast cancer care in the Isle of Man."

He continued: "The Department of Health's proposals have the sole motive of developing and enhancing our breast care service and it is for this reason that I firmly believe and remain resolute that the current proposals, which I will continue to progress, represent the very best way forward for breast care in the Isle of Man."

A leaflet has been produced by the department to outline the new proposals and the decision to employ a general surgeon with a speciality in breast care instead of a specialist breast cancer consultant.

It can be downloaded from the Department of Health’s website – www.gov.im/health. Copies can be requested by e-mailing dh@gov.im or telephoning 01624 642608.

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Also see: Health Minister says breast cancer row has become "muddied and confused"