Northern Ireland must catch up on bowel cancer surveillance, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has warned that Northern Ireland must catch up with the rest of the UK on surveillance of Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition which increases the risk of bowel cancer.

Health Paula Bradshaw


 
The South Belfast MLA stated: "Analysis from Bowel Cancer UK shows that surveillance is routinely offered to all Lynch Syndrome patients in England through the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, but in other parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland, barely half of patients receive the same surveillance in line with clinical guidance.
 
"Additionally, right across the UK, gaps in data collection and reporting are holding back Lynch Syndrome care.
 
"It is absolutely essential that we reflect on the Bengoa Principles, a fundamental part of which is prevention and early intervention. Surveillance is a critical part of achieving this, and we should not be being left behind on it."