Bowel cancer: You’re never too young
campaign is running right through June for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. It’s been put together thanks to the generous support of media across the country, and it’s running everywhere – from Neighbourly posts to three-storey high billboards, from bus backs to radio and newspapers. It features the personal stories of 10 of us who have had, or still have, bowel cancer.
We’re working hard to get people talking about bowel cancer, to urge them to visit their GP if they have symptoms, and to raise funds so that Bowel Cancer New Zealand can continue to raise awareness.
Despite bowel cancer being curable in 75 per cent of cases if caught early, this cancer kills 1200 New Zealanders each year – that’s as many as breast and prostate cancer combined. More than 300 of the people diagnosed each year are in their 20s, 30s and 40s. If you have symptoms, taking action quickly is so important – it’s because of this that I’m here today.
Bleeding from the bowel Change in bowel habit: going to the toilet more often, increased constipation, looser stools for several weeks, feeling that the bowel is not empty after going to the toilet
Fatigue, tiredness, feeling weak or breathless, anaemia Weight loss Any lumps or mass in the abdomen. Symptoms may come and go, which can provide false reassurance.
■Find out more about symptoms or make a donation at nevertooyoung.org.nz.