Faroe Islands to initiate colorectal cancer screenings following announcement by Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen

The Faroe Islands are set to initiate colorectal cancer screenings, as announced by Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen during the traditional Ólavsøku celebration.

According to Johannesen, the National Hospital is expected to be ready to coordinate the screening program this fall. However, hospital officials are cautious about committing to a specific timeline. “It is difficult to say when we will be ready to start,” cautioned Gunnvá Guttesen, the hospital’s deputy director with a nursing background.

A working group will begin preparations for the screening soon. The primary advantage of screening for colorectal cancer is the ability to detect the disease earlier, which leads to better treatment outcomes.

As outlined in the Cancer Plan from 2022, there were calls for the implementation of several initiatives. Among these are two recommendations submitted to the Ministry of Health, which include the establishment of a diagnostic and referral unit, along with a dedicated screening unit. The National Hospital assesses that these units are essential before colorectal screening can be effectively launched. Funding has been allocated for both units, supporting the initiative to enhance cancer detection and treatment in the Faroe Islands.