1365 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

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.5% Yes
    82.5% Complete
  • 14.8% No
    14.8% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
1627 votes
7 hours ago

Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?

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.

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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.

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15 hours ago

The long recovery after being run down

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Dave Rodger has a metal rod through his pelvis, more metal in his knee and lower leg. He has a torn scrotum, he has a stoma bag, some teeth are missing.

But he’s here.

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