Latest news with #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Broken Promise, Lost Lives: Government's Bowel Cancer Screening Pledge 98% Undelivered
Press Release – Bowel Cancer New Zealand Bowel cancer screening is a $30 test that prevents an $80,000 cancer. The human cost of delay is tragic and the economic case for early detection couldnt be clearer. It is indefensible for more Kiwis to continue losing their lives to this preventable, … Bowel Cancer New Zealand (NZ) is calling for urgent Government action this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. It warns that the delay in delivering a promised screening age reduction results in over 350 preventable cancers, and 80 people losing their lives every year. Despite a 2023 election pledge from Christopher Luxon and the Health Minister to lower the screening age from 60 to 45 to match Australia, just 2% of that commitment has been delivered. More than 900,000 New Zealanders remain without access to the screening that is standard care across the Tasman— a tool proven to detect cancer earlier and save lives. Bowel Cancer NZ has presented the Government with a clinically backed, affordable proposal to protect one million more New Zealanders by lowering the screening age to 45 for all, and to 35 for Māori and Pasifika, who face higher risk at younger ages. A petition supporting its proposal has been signed by 13,000 New Zealanders and is before Parliament. Peter Huskinson, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ says New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. It remains the country's second deadliest cancer, despite the fact 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early. 'Sadly 1,200 lives are lost to bowel cancer in New Zealand every year, including 350 under the age of 50. And new research [i] is telling us that early onset bowel cancer is on the rise.' Huskinson says screening is a simple, cost-effective solution that saves lives, and the Government must act now. 'Bowel cancer screening is a $30 test that prevents an $80,000 cancer. The human cost of delay is tragic – and the economic case for early detection couldn't be clearer. It is indefensible for more Kiwis to continue losing their lives to this preventable, treatable disease.' To date, the Government has added just 20,000 people to the screening programme – scrapping a fully funded plan to screen 100,000 Māori and Pasifika aged 50–59 and instead extending eligibility to all 58–59-year-olds (120,000 people). This is despite clear evidence that Māori and Pasifika face significantly higher risk at younger ages. 'More than half of all Māori bowel cancers occur before the current screening age of 60 and for those diagnosed, it's often at a later stage when it's less treatable,' says Professor Sue Crengle, Medical Advisor for Bowel Cancer NZ. 'As a result, they have less opportunity to benefit from bowel cancer screening in its current form than other ethnic groups.' As well as a higher risk of getting Bowel Cancer younger, data shows Māori are 46% more likely to die from bowel cancer than non-Māori, while Pasifika are 60% more likely. 'The system isn't acting early enough and is causing unnecessary suffering and deaths among Māori and Pacific communities – deaths that can be prevented with proper screening at the right age,' says Professor Crengle. This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer NZ is urging New Zealanders to know the symptoms, demand action, and add their voice to the call for a reduction in the screening age by writing a letter to their local MP. More information on this including MP details and a letter template can be found at Know your symptoms: Bowel cancer symptoms can come and go. Don't wait — see your GP if you experience: Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) Change in bowel habits that come and go over several weeks Persistent or sporadic abdominal pain Loss of weight for no obvious reason and/or feel tired and weak (symptoms of anaemia) Lump or swelling in the abdomen Bowel cancer is preventable and treatable — but only if it's caught early. If something doesn't feel right, see your doctor. More information on bowel cancer and the Bowel Cancer New Zealand charity can be found at Note:
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Broken Promise, Lost Lives: Government's Bowel Cancer Screening Pledge 98% Undelivered
Bowel Cancer New Zealand (NZ) is calling for urgent Government action this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. It warns that the delay in delivering a promised screening age reduction results in over 350 preventable cancers, and 80 people losing their lives every year. Despite a 2023 election pledge from Christopher Luxon and the Health Minister to lower the screening age from 60 to 45 to match Australia, just 2% of that commitment has been delivered. More than 900,000 New Zealanders remain without access to the screening that is standard care across the Tasman— a tool proven to detect cancer earlier and save lives. Bowel Cancer NZ has presented the Government with a clinically backed, affordable proposal to protect one million more New Zealanders by lowering the screening age to 45 for all, and to 35 for Māori and Pasifika, who face higher risk at younger ages. A petition supporting its proposal has been signed by 13,000 New Zealanders and is before Parliament. Peter Huskinson, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ says New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. It remains the country's second deadliest cancer, despite the fact 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early. 'Sadly 1,200 lives are lost to bowel cancer in New Zealand every year, including 350 under the age of 50. And new research[i] is telling us that early onset bowel cancer is on the rise.' Huskinson says screening is a simple, cost-effective solution that saves lives, and the Government must act now. 'Bowel cancer screening is a $30 test that prevents an $80,000 cancer. The human cost of delay is tragic – and the economic case for early detection couldn't be clearer. It is indefensible for more Kiwis to continue losing their lives to this preventable, treatable disease.' To date, the Government has added just 20,000 people to the screening programme – scrapping a fully funded plan to screen 100,000 Māori and Pasifika aged 50–59 and instead extending eligibility to all 58–59-year-olds (120,000 people). This is despite clear evidence that Māori and Pasifika face significantly higher risk at younger ages. 'More than half of all Māori bowel cancers occur before the current screening age of 60 and for those diagnosed, it's often at a later stage when it's less treatable,' says Professor Sue Crengle, Medical Advisor for Bowel Cancer NZ. "As a result, they have less opportunity to benefit from bowel cancer screening in its current form than other ethnic groups.' As well as a higher risk of getting Bowel Cancer younger, data shows Māori are 46% more likely to die from bowel cancer than non-Māori, while Pasifika are 60% more likely. 'The system isn't acting early enough and is causing unnecessary suffering and deaths among Māori and Pacific communities - deaths that can be prevented with proper screening at the right age,' says Professor Crengle. This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer NZ is urging New Zealanders to know the symptoms, demand action, and add their voice to the call for a reduction in the screening age by writing a letter to their local MP. More information on this including MP details and a letter template can be found at Know your symptoms: Bowel cancer symptoms can come and go. Don't wait — see your GP if you experience: Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) Change in bowel habits that come and go over several weeks Persistent or sporadic abdominal pain Loss of weight for no obvious reason and/or feel tired and weak (symptoms of anaemia) Lump or swelling in the abdomen Bowel cancer is preventable and treatable — but only if it's caught early. If something doesn't feel right, see your doctor. More information on bowel cancer and the Bowel Cancer New Zealand charity can be found at Note:
Web Release
06-05-2025
- Health
- Web Release
LAU Medical Centers Join SAID NGO's Walkathon to Raise Awareness on Colon and Bowel Cancer
By Editor_wr On May 6, 2025 The Lebanese American University Medical Centers Rizk Hospital and Saint John's Hospital proudly participated in the annual walkathon organized by SAID NGO, dedicated to raising awareness about colon and bowel cancer. This year's walkathon, held under the impactful theme 'March into April,' took place on April 27. Aligning with Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March and Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April, its purpose is to highlight and educate the community on the importance of early detection. As part of their ongoing commitment to public health, LAU Medical Centers deployed two fully equipped mobile clinics, one stationed at the starting point and the other at the finish line. These mobile clinics provided on-site medical assistance, including minor suturing services for participants in need of first aid. To further engage the public, the mobile clinics hosted interactive games and educational activities designed to spread awareness about colon and bowel cancer. Participants took part in themed giveaways and had the chance to win one of three complimentary colon cancer screening procedures. This initiative highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection. Adding to the day's impact, Dr. Majd Roustom, Clinical Instructor of Gastroenterology at LAU Medical Center, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about colon cancer, early detection, and preventive care. His remarks served to educate and empower attendees, reinforcing the vital role that regular screenings and proactive healthcare play in saving lives. LAU Medical Centers remain dedicated to healing with compassion by providing community-focused healthcare and empowering individuals with the knowledge to take charge of their well-being. Comments are closed.
STV News
04-05-2025
- Health
- STV News
Mum diagnosed with bowel cancer calls for screening age to be lowered to 30
A mum diagnosed with bowel cancer has issued a plea to lower the screening age from 50 to 30 amid rising cases in younger people. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common in Scotland, with someone diagnosed every 12 minutes across the UK. In November 2023, Kay Edmond learned she had stage three bowel cancer at just 41 years old after experiencing extreme fatigue and losing weight over six months. After months of uncertainty, countless GP appointments, and blood tests almost every week, it wasn't until she passed out in her home that doctors found a tumour. Currently in Scotland, screening is only offered to men and women aged between 50 and 74 years old, meaning Kay would not have been diagnosed if she hadn't pushed for tests. STV News NHS Grampian have rolled out a new bowel screening campaign 'It was never brought up that it could have been anything potentially cancerous or anything like that. They just put it down to being kind of run down or going through menopause at my age,' she told STV News. 'We were kind of fobbed off at times because of my age. We had to push to get these tests, and it took for me to pass out to get to my diagnosis. It was quite hard going.' Kay added: 'It was such a shock to us. You're young, and you don't think you'll have a diagnosis like that. That moment will probably stay with me for the rest of my life.' Since her diagnosis, Kay has undergone chemotherapy and received the all-clear. 'I'm so happy and delighted. It's been such a journey for my family. To get that result, it's such a great moment to celebrate,' she said. 'It has been two years of really hard times for us. If it's an early diagnosis and it gets treated, you can live your life again.' Health experts at NHS Grampian have reported an increase in bowel cancer screening uptake in Aberdeen, thanks to a new campaign. The health board, in partnership with cancer charity Friends of Anchor, is encouraging those least likely to come forward to get tested. As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, those behind the campaign stress the importance of knowing the signs of the disease. NHS Grampian is also seeking more people to take part in its screening programme, particularly targeting those in disadvantaged areas. STV News NHS Grampian's Charlotte Murray The programme offers assessments for individuals who may not have any symptoms. Charlotte Murray, a public health practitioner with NHS Grampian, explained, 'Screening is for people without symptoms. So, what we would say is anyone experiencing symptoms like having blood in their stool, a change in bowel habits lasting more than four weeks, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, particularly after eating, please speak to your GP in that instance.' In addition to the current screening, the NHS is trialling a blood test designed to detect cancer earlier. The project aims to identify 12 of the most common and lethal cancers, including bowel cancer, with over 99% accuracy. The goal is to diagnose cancers at an early stage, potentially before they require extensive treatment or surgery. A recent YouGov survey conducted for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month revealed that a third of people in the UK are unable to identify the symptoms of bowel cancer. Kay said: 'It's so common now for people under the age of 50 to be diagnosed with bowel cancer. People generally think that bowel cancer only happens to people over 50. 'We need to push on this, and the screening level should be taken down, even to 30, to get the screenings done. It's so much more common now in younger people. People have had to fight for their diagnosis. 'You know your body – you should go to your GP if something is not right. Press and make sure you get these tests.' Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: 'The Scottish Government, along with the other UK nations, relies on advice about screening programmes from the UK National Screening Committee, an independent expert advisory group. 'The Committee does not currently recommend bowel screening for those under 50. If that advice changes, then we would of course look at it again.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Spreading awareness is Dame Deborah's ‘legacy', says her mother
'It does affect young people as we know,' Mrs James said. Dame Deborah died of bowel cancer aged 40 in 2022. April is #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth – here are the most common symptoms of bowel cancer 👇 It's important to know what's normal for your body. Talk to your GP if you notice anything unusual for you, or any changes that don't go away. Share this to help us raise awareness 🔁 — Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) April 1, 2025 Earlier this month, her daughter Eloise followed in her mother's footsteps by raising awareness of bowel cancer through a new campaign. 'If we can get teenagers talking about their poo, that's an amazing legacy Deborah has left,' Mrs James added. On Wednesday, the King repeated some of Dame Deborah's final words at a reception at Buckingham Palace. Charles hailed the late Dame Deborah as an inspiration, quoting her final message and encouraging everyone to follow her example: 'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.' Alistair and Heather James met the King at a reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday (Andrew Matthews/PA) Her father Alistair James told BBC Breakfast: 'It just brought back so many memories – we remember those words being written with her in her last few days at home.' Mrs James added: 'It was wonderful to hear the King actually quoting Deborah's words, it was such an honour. 'He (said) wished he had met her, she was obviously a force of nature and I said: 'Yes she definitely was'.' She added: 'It's the club we belong to that no one really wants to belong to – whether you are royalty or not, cancer affects many, many people, it's almost a leveller in one way.' Mr James said that the pair thanked the King for sharing his own cancer journey. Today we remember Dame Deborah James and the incredible legacy she left behind a year on from her death 💜 Our thoughts are with her friends and family. — Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) June 28, 2023 Asked about Dame Deborah's legacy, Mr James said: 'We'll just keep going with the rest of the family and Cancer Research UK (CRUK). 'Every decision – of how we're raising money or how we are investing it and spending it – all those final decisions are always made by the family and we all get together as a group, with CRUK. 'And the children understand what's going on as well with it. 'Eloise took part in one of the bowel cancer campaigns this month for the first time and she was very enthusiastic about spreading the word.' Dame Deborah's Bowelbabe fund has raised more than £16 million since it was launched.
