Launch of the National Cancer Plan for the Isle of Man

The Department of Health is pleased to announce the launch of the National Cancer Plan for the Isle of Man. The Cancer Plan sets out a strategic direction for the development of cancer services in the Isle of Man over the next ten years.

Click here to view Press Release issued on 18 May 2012.

Click image to download a copy of this document.

Temporary Closure of Quit4you Clinics for TT Week

The Island’s Quit4You clinics will be open as usual during TT Practice Week (apart from Bank Holiday Monday, 28th May); however all clinics will be closed during TT Week commencing, Monday 4th June 2012.

The Quit4You clinics will reopen again on Monday, 11th June 2012. For urgent queries, telephone Public Health on +44 (0) 1624 642639

Click here to view press release.

Safe in the Sun 2012

Now the warmer weather is starting to appear we have revised our Safe in the Sun resources and updated our website page for 2012. This year we make men our focus - as male skin cancers are increasing and men are dying. New resources can now be downloaded from our Safe in the Sun pages at www.gov.im/safeinthesun

New Bowel Screening Resources now available

New Bowel Screening Programme leaflets and posters are now available incorporating changes and feedback received from patients using this service.

Supplies of these documents can be sourced from the MacMillan Cancer Information Centre located in Nobles Hospital, Public Health by calling +00 44 (0) 1624 642139 or emailing: publichealthresource.dh@gov.im.

Copies can also be downloaded from our Bowel Screening page wwww.gov.im/screening just click on the Bowel Cancer tab for more information.

Bowel Cancer Awareness month

The new Awareness Campaign commenced on 1 April and will continue until 30 April 2012. The Isle of Man is currently reviewing our local literature items and information and this will be available shortly, view our bowel screening programme pages at www.gov.im/screening.

A display in Nobles Reception will run from 16-27 April 2012 raising awareness and promoting the new bowel screening information.

More detailed information can also be sourced from the Bowel Cancer UK website pages at this link www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - Vaccination Programme in Schools

Just a reminder that the 3rd injection for this year's cohort will be rolled out to 12-13 year olds in schools towards the end of April 2012.

Click here to view more information on our local HPV immunsation programme.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) issues hand washing reminder ahead of petting farm season

The HPA is issuing reminders ahead of the petting farm season, especially those with responsibility for young children, to enjoy their farm visits safely by ensuring good hand hygiene after touching farm animals or their surroundings.

Click here to download Public Health's local hand washing resources.

To read this news release view www.hpa.org.uk

HPA advises public to be 'tick aware' to reduce the risk of Lyme disease

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is reminding people to be ‘tick aware’ this year and take sensible precautions to reduce their risk of Lyme disease, as Tick Bite Prevention Week (26 March – 1 April) begins.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which is transmitted by tick bites. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures which can be found in forests, woodland, heaths, moorland areas and in suburban parkland. Most ticks do not carry the infection but any area in which ticks are present should be regarded as potential risk areas for acquiring Lyme disease. Late spring, early summer and autumn are peak times for tick bites and coincide with people venturing into the great outdoors in the warmer weather.

Click here to read full news article issued by the HPA.