Survivor of bowel cancer encourages people to get checked

As gut screening programs continue across the country, a cancer survivor is urging people to embark.

It took a year for Rasela Filipo, a woman from Auckland, to see a doctor. She was 63, but she is finally grateful.

"I knew it was not normal but I did not go to see the doctor," says Filipo.

"I could not go to the bathroom.

"They told me that I had a bowel cancer."

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Some time ago, the patient of years old is fully recovered after following a cancer treatment.

The National Free Colon Screening Program o On July 10, nearly seven years after the start of the pilot project at Waitematà DHB, one of the five New Zealand health councils began to propose the screening this year. year, and all DHBs should offer it by the month of June. 2021.

More than 65,000 residents of southern and eastern Auckland will be invited to participate in the program over the next two years

Available for people 60 to 74 years old who do not are not already treated or observed for cancer of the intestine, Filipo encourages everyone to participate.

"If you want to live longer, see your grandchildren and your loved ones longer, take the test."

Eligible patients will receive a letter. A test kit and a consent form in the mail at the time of their birthday.

Dr. Alasdair Patrick, Clinical Program Manager, says the launch has been scheduled.

"This program will make a huge difference for our community. "Every year, about 3,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed and 1,200 die from an intestinal cancer."

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of cancer of the colon the world, and is more common in people over 60 years old and affects more men than women.

This is the second leading cause of cancer death, and the results are worse for Maori and those in lower socioeconomic groups. says, "It is essential that this initiative reaches as many people as possible, since early detection usually means that cancer can be treated."

The symptoms of bowel cancer include a change in the usual way to go to the toilets that continue for several weeks and the blood in the intestinal movements.

People will automatically be contacted by mail, and are encouraged to make sure their contact information is up to date with their doctor.

For more information, visit timetoscreen.nz or call 0 800 924 432.

– Tips and Tricks