Back
1352 days ago

National Bowel Screening Programme coming to Waikato

Waikato DHB

Kia ora whānau,

Did you know that bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand? Around 3000 of us will be diagnosed and 1200 will die of it each year.

But catching it early can save lives and all it takes to find it is a quick and easy test you can do at home.

The National Bowel Screening Programme is being rolled out across the Waikato region with the aim of reducing the devastating impact bowel cancer has on our communities.

If you're aged between 60 and 74, you will receive a test kit in the mail every two years around the time of your birthday. If that's on an even day (2nd, 4th, 6th) of the month you will receive a kit this year while those on an odd day (e.g 1st, 3rd, 5th) will get theirs in the programme's second year.

The test comes with clear instructions and will help detect early warning signs of bowel cancer. It is free for people aged 60-74 who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare.

If you're not in the screening age range and you have a family history of bowel cancer, you could be entitled to a colonoscopy. Talk to your GP for more information.

If you have symptoms of bowel cancer, don’t wait for screening, talk to your doctor now. Common symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
• a change in your normal bowel habit that continues for several weeks
• blood in your bowel motion.

Although these symptoms are usually caused by other conditions, it’s important to get them checked.

We're encouraging those in the eligible age group to complete the test and send it back, and for whānau to talk to their loved ones about the importance of getting tested.

Do it for you, do it for your whānau.

For more information, visit the Time to Screen website, call 0800 924 432 or talk to your doctor.
Find out more

Image
More messages from your neighbours
19 hours ago

Poll: Are quality products on the decline?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?

Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!

Image
Are quality products on the decline?
  • 90.1% Yes
    90.1% Complete
  • 8.4% No
    8.4% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
263 votes
8 hours ago

Give the gift of tickets this Christmas!

Heart Foundation Lottery

Surprise your loved ones with tickets for the Heart Foundation Christmas Lottery. It's a gift that could change their lives!

They'll have the chance to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, valued at over $1 million. Plus, there are incredible prizes up for grabs, including international travel.

Tickets are just $15 each, and every purchase supports life-saving research. Get yours online today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

Image
8 hours ago

Puzzle Pros of the Neighbourhood, Assemble!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What common English verb becomes its own past tense by rearranging its letters?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image