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A local cancer charity has raised concerns that the current opt-in process for breast screening in Jersey could lead people to "fall through the net".
Islanders are routinely offered breast screening every two years between the ages of 50 and 69 as part of the Jersey Breast Screening Programme.
However, those wanting to participate have to register themselves to join the waiting list and aren't automatically invited when they reach the age of eligibility.
UK residents automatically get their first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53 by a letter sent in the post, and are then invited every three years until the age of 71.
Video: How the breast cancer screenings work.
Sue Frost of ABC Breast Cancer Support Jersey said: “We believe strongly that early detection can save lives and do have concerns that ladies can fall through the net when they don’t realise they need to register for the screening programme at 50."
She added: “Islanders are contacted at 60 to submit samples for testing for bowel cancer, and 70 they are invited to book a shingles jab.
"It would be great to have a system that sends out an invitation to register for the breast screening programme too.”
Shocked to discover (via a friend’s Facebook post) that #BreastScreening is an opt-in process in Jersey. I assumed I’d get a letter at some point. Someone who registered over a year ago is still waiting for their first appointment. pic.twitter.com/wdJtinLwQ0
— Jennifer Bridge (@JennBridge) February 20, 2023
Health Minister Deputy Karen Wilson said that one of her Ministerial priorities is to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls through the development of a Women's Health Strategy.
While she described the work as still being "in its early stages", she confirmed that, as part of it, she intended "to review the requirement for women having to opt-in to the breast screening programme."
Pictured: The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Karen Wilson.
Comparing Jersey to the UK, the Health Minister said that islanders are better off than their mainland counterparts as Jersey offers screenings every two years compared to the UK's three years.
However, she admitted that "the covid pandemic did impact the breast screening service as measures put in place to try to stop the virus spreading meant that fewer women could be seen", which means that local "women are waiting on average two years and six months to be screened, which is still better than their UK counterparts".
Deputy Wilson added: “I would urge any women aged between 50 and 69 to sign up for breast screening as this is a useful tool to identify breast cancer early. But it’s also important to stress that breast screening is a preventative tool – if you have any urgent concerns or notice any worrying changes in your breasts please speak to your GP straightaway.
"If appropriate, they will send you for an urgent mammogram and you will be seen much more quickly than those who are undergoing routine checks.
"Likewise, if you think you are at higher risk of breast cancer as you have a family history of breast cancer, please contact your GP. If they think you are at higher risk they will refer you to the breast care nurse specialist and if appropriate you will be sent to see a clinical geneticist.”
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