Te Tai Tokerau Bowel Screening Programme Marks Three Years of Saving Lives
Since the Bowel Screening Programme in Te Tai Tokerau launched on 2 November 2021, 35,000 test kits have been returned and 89 bowel cancers detected.
Over half of these cancers were found at an early stage when they can often be successfully treated.
General Manager Surgical and Perioperative Services Katy Wilkinson says each bowel screening kit returned is an opportunity to save lives.
“Free bowel screening is available nationwide to people aged 60 to 74, with kits delivered to your home every two years. Doing the test is quick and easy. When you get your bowel screening kit, just do it, and send it in!”
She says that of the over 35,000 kits returned since the start of the programme in Te Tai Tokerau, there have been about 1500 positive results, resulting in over 1150 colonoscopies and the detection of 89 bowel cancers (October 2024).
“Over 50 percent of the cancers detected were early stage, meaning lives are being saved and some whānau have been spared the loss of a parent, grandparent or other loved one.”
“For those who test positive, follow-up care – including colonoscopies – is offered. As well as finding bowel cancer, colonoscopies can detect and remove bowel polyps, which are not cancers but may develop into a cancer over several years.”
Kylah Pere is the health promoter lead for the Te Tai Tokerau Bowel Screening Programme. She works with the community, talking about the importance of early detection and encouraging eligible people to take part in free bowel screening.
“When we visit communities, we often meet families who have lost someone to bowel cancer,” she says.
“Hearing their stories is heart-wrenching, especially knowing that early detection could have changed everything.
“I remind people that this test isn’t just for them – it’s for their whānau, their tamariki, their mokopuna. By completing the bowel screening test, they’re giving their loved ones the best chance of having them around for years to come.”
A local patient was diagnosed with bowel cancer through the programme, underwent surgery and is grateful to be alive.
“I will be forever grateful to the bowel screening test team for their reminders and encouraging me to do the test. Who knows what my situation would be without their persistence. I now advise everyone not to ignore the kit when it arrives.”
Ms Wilkinson says she’s incredibly proud of the progress the bowel screening programme has made over the past three years.
“The programme not only aims to save lives, but also to empower individuals to take control of their health, supporting a healthier future for Te Tai Tokerau.”
Nationally, over 1.2 million test kits have been returned resulting in more than 36,000 colonoscopies and the detection of more than 2,600 cancers (October 2024).
For more information:
- Free phone: 0800 924 432 – Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
For local information and support:
- Call 021 225 3901
- Talk to your doctor.
ENDS
Media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz
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