By Robert Surcouf
NOW that we are in the middle of the Christmas festivities the constant ‘don’t mention the C word’ revert from ‘Christmas’ back to the sad reference to ‘cancer’. Thankfully these days most people are far more open to discussing cancer and its treatment. My own mother died 25 years ago from cancer, which was identified after she was invited to attend the local hospital for a mammogram. At that time the invites were automatic on upon reaching the age of 50. Her first was clear but sadly the second was not and together as a family we dealt with four years of treatment, always with a positive outlook from my mother even when she was told there was nothing more that could be done.
Why am I sharing this just as we all get ready for Christmas? Sadly, the local mammogram programme no longer sends out an automatic invite when a woman reaches the age of 50. There is a requirement to self-register instead. To me this seems illogical when virtually everyone in the Island has been registered at social security, who will have the dates of birth and could easily identify who should be invited. Since the developments in the treatment of cancer have been so great, early detection is a major tool in reducing the impact and level of treatment and improving the outcome. It does not make sense that this is not done automatically and instead there is some form of programme to inform women of the need to register, this does feel like a less-effective approach and hopefully at some stage this will be revisited.
I have chosen this week to discuss this sensitive topic as I have two friends who were not aware of the need to pre-register and were waiting for an appointment believing that it was an automatic enrolment as it was with their mothers in the past. Sadly, both did not have the early mammograms and are now being treated for later stage cancers. Had they received an invitation when they turned 50 the level of treatment and prognosis could have been far better. They are both fighters who are facing this challenge head on, but an earlier detection would most definitely have helped both of them.
Until those in authority at the health service return to an automatic appointment system we can all do our part by spreading the word of the need for women 50 or over to self-register for mammograms, and for those with a history of cancer in their family to discuss earlier testing with their GP. So, as you meet up with friends and family do not be scared to talk about cancer and share that when it comes to having a mammogram locally you now need to register. That conversation over a festive mince pie might save the life of someone you care about. Could you give a better Christmas present?
Of course, there are many other screening programmes for both men and women and, when seeing a GP, it is sensible to ensure that you have these tests as they can save your life. I do appreciate that some of the tests are not the most pleasant experience but being part of a family that has a history of cancer I can tell you that the risk by not taking advantage of testing is far greater. Too many people still seem to turn away from the opportunity to educate themselves as to possible symptoms and even when they are aware they still put off getting tested. The result is often stressing over something that might not even be a cancer, and if it is allowing it to spread instead of getting early treatment.
So please make yourself aware of the signs and speak openly with your GP about any concerns as they, along with the wonderful medical staff in our hospital, want the best for you and your loved ones.
I apologise if this article has been a bit heavy but if it helps even one person to get tested so they will be here next year and for many Christmases to come for their loved ones then this was time well spent.
Reflecting on various topics that I have discussed this year they have been quite varied, but I feel there is a common theme from many of them that Jersey is generally a kind and caring community. We have a very large and effective voluntary sector that does so much and many businesses and individuals that support every year a large variety of fundraising events that help these charities to make a real difference. To me that is a level of civic engagement that matters far more than any other metric and for that I am very grateful, and I would like to wish everyone who volunteers for or supports these amazing organisations the very best for the festive season.
The year 2023 found an Island reeling from two tragedies and sadly it has not been a very kind year to many and when we also have the cost-of-living crisis still very much with us for many this Christmas will be very hard. So please be kind, a small gesture or a kind word might mean far more than you could ever appreciate. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.
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Robert Surcouf comes from a Jersey farming family, though his mother was Spanish and moved to Jersey in the 1960s. He became an accountant and now specialises in risk and enterprise management. A father of two school-age children, he still helps organise and participates in local motorsport events and was one of the founding members of Better Way 2022 before the last election. The views expressed are his own.
