Latest news with #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Radio Hauraki's "Day In Loo' Returns For A Third Year To Raise Bowel Cancer Awareness
Iconic radio personalities, sporting legends and other well-known Kiwis will soon unite for a 12-hour live broadcast from the 'bowels of Eden Park' for Radio Hauraki's third Day in Loo event to raise awareness of bowel cancer. Taking place from 6am to 6pm on Wednesday 18 June during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, this year's event features a unique venue change to Eden Park's changing sheds – aptly renamed "the bowels of Eden Park" for this special occasion. All proceeds go to Bowel Cancer NZ, a 100% community-funded charity dedicated to patient support, advocacy, vital research and reducing the impact of bowel cancer across the country. Along with Radio Hauraki, the team from The Alternative Commentary Collective (The ACC) will also be supporting the event, with well-known sporting legends joining in what organisers describe as "Good Sports Talking Sh*t" – a light-hearted approach to discussing a serious illness affecting thousands of New Zealanders every year. The event will also be attended by Dai Henwood ONZM - friend of Radio Hauraki, much-loved comedian and media personality, who was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer in 2020. Todd Campbell, Content Director for Radio Hauraki says: "Every day, eight Kiwis receive a bowel cancer diagnosis and we're dedicated to using our platforms to shine a spotlight on this critical health issue, spreading awareness of the symptoms that could save lives. Eden Park has seen some huge victories over the years and we're hoping to knock this out of the park for Bowel Cancer New Zealand, adding bowel cancer awareness growth to that list of Eden Park wins." Peter Huskinson, Bowel Cancer NZ CEO, says: "We're so delighted that our friends at Radio Hauraki are dedicating 12 hours of airtime again this year to help spread the word about bowel cancer. Open, honest conversation like this helps people know what to look for and when to get along to their doctor. This is a highly treatable disease when caught early, so we know that Kiwis acting on their symptoms because of Day in Loo will save lives." Jeremy Wells, Radio Hauraki Breakfast host says: "I have many fond memories of watching sport at Eden Park over the years and looking forward to moving the Hauraki studios into the changing sheds for this great cause. I understand the players' spa pool will be operational and I plan on jumping in with a few of our sporting guests.' Nick Sautner, CEO Eden Park says: 'We're delighted to welcome Radio Hauraki's Day in Loo to Eden Park in support of a cause that affects thousands of New Zealanders. We're proud to be renaming the changing sheds 'the bowels of Eden Park' for the day to support this important and meaningful campaign. We're honoured to stand alongside Bowel Cancer NZ and the team from Radio Hauraki to raise awareness in communities across Aotearoa.' People can listen to the Radio Hauraki live broadcast via radio or iHeartRadio and can contribute by making an instant $3 donation to Bowel Cancer NZ by texting LOO to 3779.
Otago Daily Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Worth of collaboration, support emphasised
More than 20 community organisations came together last month for the second annual Aoraki Foundation Recipients Roundtable. Held at the Timaru District Council Chambers, the event aimed to reinforce the importance of collaboration and financial support in sustaining crucial programmes throughout South Canterbury. Aoraki Foundation gift and community adviser Kirsty Burnett emphasised the value of bringing funding recipients together. "This helps our distribution committees make informed decisions on future funding and the grant application process. It's also a great opportunity for recipients to connect, share insights, and foster stronger relationships within the community." Funding continues to be a lifeline for community organisations, sources such as the Miller General Impact Fund and The South Canterbury Health Endowment Fund enabling life-changing services. A notable contribution came from Bidwill Hospital, which donated $100,000 to the Health Endowment Fund, ensuring more health-related grants could be made. Tracey Barratt and Heather Locke, from the Southern Cancer Society, shared their efforts in supporting 292 families through emotional and practical care, including accommodation. Ms Barratt highlighted the "Wiggy Bank" initiative, which subsidises wigs for cancer clients. The initiative is funded by Aoraki Women's Fund. Karl Jackson, from Te Aitarakihi Marae, discussed their social and mentoring programmes, which engage at-risk youth. Their community garden has provided food for over 1000 families, and produced more than 2280 soup meals at Caroline Bay in the last year. Other community-driven programmes discussed included Age Concern's Well Balanced Exhibition and Road Show and Plunket's swimming confidence courses, which benefited 75 families in Temuka and Geraldine, including many migrant households. Victoria Thompson, from Bowel Cancer New Zealand, joined via Zoom and noted Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and the aim to reduce stigma and encourage early conversations about symptoms. The increasing demand for support has led to plans for the recruitment of an additional nurse. Emma Drummond, representing Crohn's and Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust, talked about the value of Camp Purple for children aged 9-16 who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. This year three South Canterbury children were able to attend the camp in Auckland which helped to build their confidence and resilience. Penny Wilson, from Peel Forest Outdoor Centre, highlighted resilience-focused programmes that support over 4000 participants each year. The roundtable showcased the interconnected nature of community organisations and their innovative approaches to addressing health, social, and educational needs across the region. Several of the recipients mentioned how lucky South Canterbury was to have organisations that wanted to work together to create the best outcomes for the people in their service. The discussion reinforced that collaboration and connection remained essential in building a stronger, more resilient community. The Aoraki Foundation's major funding round will open again in September. — APL
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Please do the test': 55yo Rachel had a plum-sized tumour removed
Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45. Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45. Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45. Swansea's Rachel Rizk had a few unused and expired bowel cancer screening kits sitting in her cupboard. She ordered another one and put it on her dressing table. "I'd look at it every day and say I'll do that tomorrow," Ms Rizk said. "My biggest message is I want everyone to please do the test. Take the stigma away." Ms Rizk was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 55, after seeing her doctor for erratic bowel movements. She had surgery in March. "I had to cancel a holiday to India. I had a holiday at John Hunter Hospital instead," she said. "They removed 15 centimetres of my bowel and a tumour the size of a plum. When they did the first colonoscopy, they couldn't get the camera through." When she was diagnosed, she said to her specialist, "With all due respect, are you sure you have the right person?" "I felt fit and fabulous. He took a second look at his screen and said 'Sorry, Rachel, it is you'." In the Hunter New England health district, only 42 per cent of people do the bowel screening test after receiving it in the mail. The district recorded 3804 bowel cancer cases from 2017 to 2021, and 1362 people died from the disease in that period. With June being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the NSW government is urging eligible people to take the screening test. Available to those aged 45 to 74, it's the easiest way to detect the early signs of bowel cancer. Health Minister Ryan Park said, "Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world". "It's the second biggest cancer killer in NSW," Mr Park said. "We have this free screening test that is quick, easy and very effective in detecting the early stages of bowel cancer, but we need more people to take part." NSW chief cancer officer Tracey O'Brien said, "Bowel cancer can be successfully treated if caught early". "People who do the test are almost twice as likely to have their cancer detected at the earliest stage," Professor O'Brien, of Cancer Institute NSW, said "Bowel cancer is not just an old person's disease." Ms Rizk initially thought she had IBS symptoms. After doing the screening test, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer. "I went into fight mode. I wanted to get straight in and get it removed. "The hardest part was waiting to get the results to know what stage it was and what sort of treatment that would mean." She said John Hunter Hospital was "absolutely fantastic". Her surgeon removed 32 lymph nodes. "They all came back clear, so that was good news," she said. "Thankfully, I haven't had to have any chemo or radiation because they got it at stage two. But I did have a follow-up colonoscopy last week." People can reduce their risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, cereals and wholegrains, having a healthy weight and being physically active. It is recommended to do the at-home screening test every two years from the age of 45.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- 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
02-06-2025
- 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:
