The government binds Puglia’s expenses: the Region suspends genetic tests to prevent cancer

BARI – Bad news for those who hoped to be able to undergo the genetic test which gives the possibility of preventing colon and breast cancer. It should be noted that the extension of the age ranges for invitation to screening programmes, the differentiation of the screening offer for the population with a family history of moderate or high risk cancer as well as the launch of risk assessment programs for patients and families with gene mutations envisaged by regional regulations cannot currently be performed due to the constraints imposed by the national regulatory framework on public finance coordination with particular reference to the constraints connected to the Regions in the recovery plan. With this communication sent by the Health Department of the Puglia Region to the local health authorities and regional hospitals, extensive genetic tests for the prevention of breast and colon cancer have been suspended.

The law signed by Amati

The Regional Council, on the proposal of the regional Action councilor, Fabiano Amati, had approved two laws to enhance screening for the early prevention of colorectal and breast cancer. With regard to colorectal cancer, the law provides for all Apulians in the 45-75 age group to be subjected to a test for the search for occult blood in the faeces, under penalty of forfeiture of the general directors of the local health authorities. Now this extension of screenings is blocked due to the constraints imposed by the ministry on the Regions in the return plan, as can be seen from the circular from the Health department.