Health Ministry Expands Screening To Reduce Colorectal Cancer

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has strengthened measures aimed at reducing colorectal cancer in Jamaica, with a major focus on expanding screening and increasing public awareness.

Speaking with JIS News, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Injuries Prevention Unit at the Ministry, Dr. Tamu Davidson, said that increasing the uptake of screening across the population remains central to the Ministry’s efforts, particularly in light of growing concerns about the disease among younger persons.

“We have several programmes in place. The main programme that we have been focusing on is improving screening,” she noted, adding that the Ministry is intensifying public education initiatives to ensure Jamaicans understand what colorectal cancer is and when they should be tested.

A major development in the national response is the introduction of a new screening tool, the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which will be rolled out in the public health system starting next week.

Dr. Davidson described the test as a “game changer”, noting that it detects small amounts of hidden blood in the stool, an early indicator of colorectal cancer, by identifying human haemoglobin that is not visible to the naked eye.

She highlighted that the FIT test represents a significant improvement over previous stool-based screening methods, which required extensive preparation, dietary restrictions, and multiple samples.

“With this new test, there’s no special preparation required, and you only need to submit one sample to have the test done,” Dr. Davidson said, emphasising that the simplified process is expected to encourage more persons to participate in routine screening.

The Ministry plans to expand access to the FIT test across primary healthcare facilities islandwide by next year, ensuring that more Jamaicans can benefit from early detection services.

Dr. Davidson said that making screening widely available at the community level will allow health professionals to identify cases earlier and refer patients for timely diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving outcomes.

In addition to screening, the Ministry continues to work with local and international partners to raise awareness and promote behavioural changes that can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

The efforts, she said, are aligned with global targets to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases, including a goal to cut colorectal cancer deaths by one-third by 2030.

Dr. Davidson is also encouraging Jamaicans to understand their personal risk levels and take proactive steps towards regular health checks.

She advised that individuals at average risk should begin screening at age 45, while those with a family history or other risk factors may need earlier and more specialised testing, such as colonoscopy. “Without going to do your health checks and knowing your status, you won’t know which category you are in,” she pointed out.

She further urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles as a preventive measure, including maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing processed foods, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Dr. Davidson also encouraged persons to utilise extended hours at health centres and seek guidance from healthcare providers. “If you have not gotten tested, make your appointment with your doctor today… and encourage someone to go with you and get themselves tested,” she said.