Thousands missing out on routine cancer screenings in Guernsey
Thousands of people in Guernsey due to be taking part in routine cancer screening programmes are having to wait until lockdown rules are relaxed before they will be tested.
Getting diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing discovery and early detection is often key to prevent it from becoming deadly.
But because of the risks of spreading Covid-19, new non-essential appointments have been cancelled until further notice.
Charity, Bowel Cancer Guernsey says you are 14 times more likely to survive bowel cancer if it is found early.
It is estimated these screenings will restart in the later part of 2020 but Public Health say they cannot set a specific date at this time.
Under normal circumstances these conditions are regularly tested for free as part of programmes to prevent cancers in the Bailiwick.
Breast Screening - all women aged 50-75 every 2 years
Cervical Screening - all women in Guernsey and Alderney aged 25-65 every 2 years, and 50-65 every 5 years
Bowel Screening - all residents in the Bailiwick aged 60-70
However people who are experiencing any discomfort are still being advised to get in touch with their GP.
Some patients who've shown signs of cancer before are still being offered scans.
Chris Elliot has to have an annual CT scan of his lungs to check for abnormalities.
Teigan Preval was also planning to book in her cervical screening after having pre-cancerous cells found when she was 21.
She was offered the opportunity for a screening by her nurse.
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