August 08, 2018
Māori target needed in bowel screening
Māori target needed in bowel screening
Bowel Cancer New Zealand wants to see more engagement with Māori and Pacific people in screening programmes.
Spokesperson Professor Sarah Derrett says it’s keen to see action on a review released today recommending some changes to the programmes now being rolled out nationally.
She says the charity sees the challenges people face in getting access to diagnostic services for bowel cancer – both within the screening programme and for people aged under 60 years who are outside the screening programme.
Workforce capacity also needs to be addressed urgently, as only five of 20 DHBs are as yet offering screening.
Professor Derrett says people need to discuss bowel cancer with medical professionals and avoid sitting on their symptoms, such as bleeding from the bottom, persistent or periodic severe pain the abdomen, and tiredness and loss of weight for no particular reason.
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