National Bowel Screening Programme free for those in South Canterbury

TIMARU: A region of the country which suffers one of the highest rates of bowel cancer will soon be able to access the free screening programme.

There are 113 cancers detected per 100,000 people in South Canterbury.

That compares to a national average of 65.7.

National Bowel Screening Programme clinical director Dr Susan Parry said bowel cancer was often symptomless, so screening was important.

‘‘The home testing kit is designed to pick up tiny traces of blood in a bowel motion and to catch cancers before they become advanced,’’ Dr Parry said in a statement.

The scheme will be offered to those aged from 60 to 74 in Timaru and nearby districts. — RNZ