The most recent figures show 235 cases of bowel cancer have been detected by the Southern DHB’s National Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP), which marks its third anniversary this week. 

In Central Otago, 4,747 tests were carried out - 255 positive tests with 30 cases cancer diagnoses. 

The programme provides free screening every two years for people aged between 60 and 74 and who are eligible for publicly-funded health care, and is an excellent way to detect bowel cancer. 

Provisional Ministry of Health data to the end of January 2021 show that, in addition to detecting cancers, the programme has led to more than 1800 people having polyps removed, which can develop into cancer over time. 

Of those who return positive NBSP tests in the South, fewer than one in ten will have cancer. 

“We know sometimes people put off doing the test because they are scared of getting a positive result, but early diagnosis increases the chances of having straightforward and successful treatment,” says Dr Jason Hill, the Programme’s Clinical Lead. 

Participation in the programme 

Participation remains strong, with Southern residents completing and returning close to 50,000 test kits since the programme began.

• Overall participation sits at 72%, above the national target of 60%
• Māori participation is particularly encouraging at 76%
• The rate for Pasifika residents is 68%
• Rural and non-rural residents are participating at equal levels – both 72%
• More women are participating than men, at 74% and 70% respectively.

Regionally, all territorial authority areas are participating at rates between 70% and 75%, with the exception of Queenstown Lakes at 65% – however, this rate continues to exceed the national target. Central Otago has the highest participation rate in the district at 75%.

Southern DHB National Bowel Screening Programme from 24 April 2018 to 31 January 2021. Image courtesy Southern DHB. Image: SDHB. 

Rescreening now underway

Programme participants who continue to meet the eligibility criteria are invited to be rescreened every two years.

After a delay due to 2020’s Covid-19 restrictions, rescreening of some of the earliest Southern programme participants has begun.

So far, those who were first screened in the programme’s initial five months have received their second tests kits. Rescreening participation is strong at this early stage, at 81% overall.

“Regular screening is important as polyps and cancers may not bleed all the time,” says Programme Manager, Emma Bell. 

“This early data for rescreening is very encouraging, although the overall picture will become clearer over the coming months as more people are invited to take part.”

Visit timetoscreen.nz for more information about the National Bowel Screening Programme.