Cancer kits left unused

Thousands of patients at risk of bowel cancer have failed to use free do-it yourself kits that could potentially save their lives.

The National Bowel Screening Programme launched across Nelson and Marlborough five months ago.

More than 6511 home test kits were sent to eligible people but health bosses have revealed less than half have been returned.

Bowel screening project manager Claudia Teunissen said the initiative had detected bowel cancer in four patients and spotted early warning signs in others.

She urged people who had been sent a test kit to take action.

‘‘Even in this short time we’re seeing what a life-saver this programme is.

‘‘Bowel cancer can be successfully treated, but only if detected at an early stage, which is the whole point of the test.

‘‘Most people are reassured when they see what an easy thing it is to do – dip a little stick into the toilet to take a faecal sample, pop it into the tube, screw on the lid and return the hygienically sealed tube in the pre-paid post envelope.

‘‘Simple, clean she said.

A total of 123 tests came back positive since mid-august and patients were referred for a colonoscopy at both Wairau and Nelson hospitals.

Everyone with a positive test result was contacted by their GP for a referral for a colonoscopy at and lifesaving,’’ Nelson or Wairau hospital.

To date, 62 Nelson Marlborough residents have had a colonoscopy or a CT colonography, free through the screening programme.

Of these, 40 cases of precancerous polyps and benign tumours were found and removed during the colonoscopy.

Teunissen said the screening programme aimed to save lives by finding pre-cancerous polyps or bowel cancer at an early stage – before symptoms appear.

‘‘Bowel cancer has touched many lives in our region. The test is an opportunity to find out about your bowel health at an early stage, before any symptoms are obvious.

‘‘Most people will receive the all-clear and can get on with their lives,’’ she said.

The kits went out to eligible people between 60 and 70 years old.

A total of 3235 returned tests were negative for the presence of blood, which can indicate potential bowel cancer, Teunissen said.

‘‘Nelson Marlborough region has the fourth highest rate of bowel screening in the country, but also the lowest death rate of 18.1 per 100,000 people – an indicator that bowel cancer can be successfully treated if detected and treated early enough.’’

She said those who had not responded would be contacted by telephone.

‘‘It is especially important for Ma¯ ori and Pacific people to complete the test, because while Ma¯ori and Pacific people have lower rates of bowel cancer, they are more likely to die of bowel cancer than non-maori.