Taking the ‘ick’ out of bowel screening

Tairāwhiti community care coordinators (from left) Stacey Reeves, Linda Ngarimu and Aroha Hokianga were more than happy to talk to people about the non-invasive National Bowel Screening Programme, at the Relay for Life. Picture supplied

Three new community care coordinators are taking the “ick” out of bowel screening in Tairāwhiti.

Aroha Hokianga, Stacey Reeves and Linda Ngārimu are making sure eligible residents are taking part in the free National Bowel Screening Programme.

In their box of tricks is an inflatable bowel which they set up in the Health Hub at Relay for Life earlier this month, to start the conversation about screening for bowel cancer.

“Most of the wonderful people at Relay for Life have been affected by cancer. They know how important it is to detect cancer early,” said Ms Reeves.

She walked alongside participants, hoping to dismantle some of the misinformation about the testing process.

“People often think bowel cancer screening requires a bum swab or sending a large sample of poo through the mail. That’s not the case.

“The test is non-invasive and can be done in your bathroom at home.”

Eligible residents of Tairāwhiti can expect to hear from the community care coordinators by phone, email, or text when they have not returned their kits.

“We’re here to help people understand the importance of bowel screening.

“We’re happy to talk to any organisations, schools, aged-care facilities, or even people who might have questions or want to have a kōrero before doing the test.”

Free bowel screening is available in Tairāwhiti to Māori and Pacific people from the age of 50 to 74 and for everyone else from 60 to 74.

Residents will be automatically enrolled and will receive the invitation soon after they are eligible.

Early cancer detection is a cause close to home for all three community care coordinators, having lost close whānau to the  disease.

“I lost my mum to cancer.  I was drawn to this role as I wanted to play a small, possibly life-saving part in someone’s life,” Ms Reeves says.