Saving lives and £1m. for the taxpayer

A BOWEL cancer screening programme has not only helped to save lives but has also saved taxpayers more than £1m.

The programme was introduced in October 2011 and, out of 597 islanders tested, 23 people were found to be at high risk of developing the cancer.

Consultant gastroenterologist and lead bowel cancer screener Dr Hamish Duncan, pictured, said the programme had saved the States £1,150,000 in estimated future care costs.

He said the cost of treating bowel cancer not diagnosed early was roughly £50,000.

'The £50,000 might even be an underestimate given that people with bowel cancer are now living longer because of developments in chemotherapy and surgical techniques, which in themselves are increasingly expensive.'