Bowel Cancer Foundation Trust is grateful for support from National MP's to help promote bowel cancer awareness month this June. Leader of the opposition, Hon. Simon Bridges and National List MP, Hon. Michael Woodhouse met charity CEO, Georgina Mason, who shared charity efforts to help promote bowel health.
Bowel cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in New Zealand with around 3,200 people diagnosed each year. 90% of bowel cancers can be prevented if caught through early screening.
"We are encouraging people to be more proactive with their bowel health through early screening and by having a conversation with loved ones about any symptoms they may be experiencing. Not all bleeding means bowel cancer as a number of inflammatory bowel conditions mimic the exact same symptoms," Said Miss Mason.
"We're glad to see politicians actively caring about the health of New Zealanders and are willing to help with the fight against bowel cancer."
Bowel cancer symptoms include:
- Blood in the stools and/or bleeding from the rectum
- A change in bowel habit lasting longer than 6 weeks (e.g. loose stools, diarrhoea or constipation)
- Stomach pain (often severe)
- Lumps or a mass in the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Weakness and tiredness (symptoms of anaemia)
People experiencing bowel cancer symptoms or who have a personal/family history of bowel cancer or polyps are advised to discuss appropriate screening for the disease with their Doctor.
If anyone requires any further help or advice please contact us.