Charity to take part in breast screening review

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will be involved in a review of Isle of Man breast screenings amid concerns the tests could become less frequent, the charity has confirmed.

Changes to the future of screenings were outlined in the Manx Care mandate proposing to align its programme with the NHS in the UK.

But Manx Care has clarified that a review would take place before any final decisions are taken.

Currently women over the age of 50 are offered checks every two years on the island in contrast to every three years in England.

Public Health, with Manx Care and the DHSC, are to carry out a review over the next year, "considering our local context, demographic needs, and healthcare capacity", the department said.

It said: "There will be community engagement alongside this review, including with local charities and stakeholders, and no changes will happen without taking account of everyone's views."

It thanked the Manx Breast Cancer Support, who will also be involved in the discussions, "for engaging in a constructive conversation with the DHSC and Cabinet Office".

The charity had planned to stage a peaceful protest outside Tynwald this week, which has now been called off.

The group also thanked the public for supporting them.

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