World Cancer Day: Jersey urged to talk about cancer

An awareness event at Jersey Library marked World Cancer Day and brought charities and health services together, with speakers urging people to discuss cancer openly. Officials noted Jersey runs screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer and said work is under way to review other screening options.

An awareness event at Jersey Library marked World Cancer Day and brought local charities, government and private services together. Speakers asked islanders to be more open when discussing cancer and to keep information and conversation ongoing through the year. Patient voices were included, with people describing living with cancer and the value of peer support resources. Organisers highlighted the role of screening programmes in detecting disease early. Key points: - The event included Jersey Hospice Care, Macmillan Jersey and Jersey Cancer Relief alongside health services. - Dr Elisabet Gomes Dos Santos, clinical lead for cancer services, urged people to discuss cancer without fear and to "keep the message flowing throughout the year." - Jersey currently runs screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer, and the team is studying lung and prostate screening programmes used in Europe. - Patient-led resources such as Cancer.je were noted as helping people feel less alone and sharing practical experiences. Summary: Speakers said the gathering aimed to normalise conversations about cancer and maintain awareness beyond a single day. Dr Gomes Dos Santos encouraged eligible people to follow up with the screening department if they had not received an invitation, and health services are reviewing additional screening options.