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A new project to ensure all eligible islanders are automatically called up for breast screening is set to begin next year thanks to £785,000 of charity funding.
Currently, people in Jersey need to register for breast screening when they turn 50.
Cancer charities have previously raised concerns that this 'opt-in' process could allow some islanders to "fall through the net".
But now, those already eligible for breast screening but who have not registered for the service will be contacted and invited for a mammogram over the next two years.
And from 2027, all eligible islanders will be automatically called up rather than having to inform the Health Department that they would like to be screened.
Pictured: The new mammography machine – which will be used for routine screenings – will be based at the Enid Quenault Health Centre.
These improvements to the island's breast screening programme are thanks to a new £255,000 mammography machine, paid for by the John Clive Le Seelleur Trust, and £530,000 of funding from Jersey Cancer Relief for additional members of staff.
The new mammography machine, which is based at the Enid Quenault Health and Wellbeing Centre in St Brelade, will be used for routine screenings.
The Health Department said that it will also offer resilience if the mammography machine at the General Hospital, which is used for symptomatic patients, requires repair.
Meanwhile, the funding from Jersey Cancer Relief will pay for a full-time administrator, a mammographer, as well as the training of an associate practitioner in mammography. This is the first time this training has been offered in Jersey.
The charity will also pay for a locum while the associate practitioner undergoes training.
A new mammography machine to replace the current machine at the General Hospital is also due to be installed in the first quarter of next year.
This machine will be purchased with funds from the Health Department.
Pictured: Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell has responsibility for women's health.
Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell, said: “I’m delighted to announce changes to our breast screening programme which will both improve a woman’s access to care and their experience as a patient.
“I would like to thank Jersey Cancer Relief and The John Clive Le Seelleur Trust for their incredible support which means that we can ensure that all women are invited for breast screening when they become eligible.
“Early detection is vital in saving lives.”
Anne Pryke, Chair of Jersey Cancer Relief, said: “We are proud to support this new initiative and pave the way for all eligible women in Jersey to access breast cancer screening as part of an opt-out rather than opt-in service.
“Screening and prevention align with our charity constitution and over the years we have worked closely with the screening team on projects like these.”
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