In 2018 the Ministry for Health invited over 31,000 persons to be screened for colorectal cancer, with 33 cases detected, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the launch for the Colorectal Cancer Campaign, Fearne said that every year there are over 270 new cases of colorectal cancer. He explained that March is dedicated to colorectal cancer and its prevention, which the National Screening Campaign continuously aims for.

The campaign began six years ago for patients aged 60 to 64, and screening is now available for people aged 55 to 69.

“Screening works and it helps prevent numbers of cancer deaths,” Fearne said.

He explained that if these patients had not undergone screening and had an early detection they most likely would have lost their lives.

Fearne stressed that healthy lifestyle choices also make a huge difference in the prevention of numerous cancers. This includes being more aware of our diets, doing regular exercise and not smoking.

He thanked a number of local councils that have reached out and collaborated in this campaign to promote early screening and prevention.