Clinical review of cancer screening programmes underway

But changes won't be made ahead of General Election

Public Health says any changes to the age of people called for bowel cancer screening on the Isle of Man won’t be made before the General Election.

Currently those aged between 60 and 75 are eligible for screening for the disease; in the UK it starts earlier at 50.

April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - statistics show bowel cancer is the second most common type of invasive cancer on the Island.

It’s more prevalent in the older population but there have been cases in people as young as 25.

Dr Ross Keat is the Deputy Director of Public Health:

If you are not eligible for screening but you have symptoms of bowel cancer you should speak to your pharmacist or GP.

To support the awareness campaign the Tower of Refuge and Ramsey Swing Bridge will be lit up in green, yellow and blue on 30 April.

You can find out more about bowel cancer HERE.

The General Election takes place on 24 September - you can find out more HERE.