Too many New Zealanders dying of bowel cancer

Email
Print

Too many kiwis dying of bowel cancer

3News NZ

It's bowel cancer awareness week once again, and we need it for many reasons.

Firstly, New Zealand still has the highest death rate of bowel cancer in the developed world.

But secondly, there's a new clinical trial about to begin to see if shortening the course of a patients chemotherapy, makes any difference to the outcome of their treatment.

It's a risk, but when faced with a cancer killing more people than breast and prostate combined, oncologists say its worth finding out.

Watch the video to see the full report.

Warning: Some of the pictures in Kate King’s report are graphic.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

17/07/2012 10:20:09 p.m.

Fay wrote:

It is heartwrenching to read these articles and know that millions of dollars are being wasted every day. Why is life thought of in such a callous way and why is not more being done to identify the reasons for NZ having the highest rate in the developed world.

17/06/2012 2:01:11 p.m.

Grant wrote:

My grandfather was an organic vegetarian and died horribly in his 70's of bowel cancer.
I see the latest misinformation is that salicylates may help against bowel cancer. Apparently fruits and vegetables don't have enough salicylates and there is talk of genetically modifying fruits and vegetables to increase the salicylate level.
My father, my sister and I are all sensitive to salicylates. It's likely my grandfather was sensitive to salicylates as well. Allergy Today magazine has had numerous articles on salicylate sensitivity.
Ten years ago I developed major medical conditions including leukemia from a chemical related to salicylates.
I fear that in some people salicylates are the direct cause of bowel cancer not the cure.

14/06/2012 1:43:06 p.m.

Sarah wrote:

I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitus (considered a pre-cursor to Bowel Cancer)at the age of 32. I had the 'bleeding'symptoms described in the clip, went to my dr and she made me feel silly. I didnt go back. 4 months later i contracted food poisoning and mixed with colitus ended up with emergency surgey to remove my colon. After having a bag on my side for 2.5yrs i decided then as a solo mum to under go 2 further sugeries "Reversal" and now consider myself lucky to be alive. I had the symptoms and ignored them. If i wasnt lucky enough to get food poisoning, 10 years later...i probably wouldnt be here. Please don't ignore it...

10/06/2012 2:37:45 p.m.

Marianne wrote:

White flour, white sugar, processed food, no fibre, no fresh fruit or veges and far too much junk food = recipe for bowel cancer.

9/06/2012 10:59:27 a.m.

Bruce J wrote:

Chew your food really slowly and if it tastes fake don't eat it. The taste buds are the gate way to the body.

9/06/2012 10:49:41 a.m.

Sue wrote:

I was meant to have gone for a test under sedation, but apparently it is undignified and embarrassing and would rather have the new trial test which is out there - although I'm thinking for myself it's Coeliac disease - but I guess self diagnosis is not a good thing and best for everyone to get tested one way or another.