Bowel cancer survivor
Chelsea Halliwell, the organiser of the campaign and a Bowel
Cancer NZ ambassador, says young New Zealanders are still
slipping through the cracks of a severely underfunded health
system.
Halliwell says, “I am
absolutely devastated that we are still hearing of young
people like Jo McKenzie-McLean, 43 and Hope Benns 42 who,
despite seeking help for their bowel cancer symptoms, were
turned down for diagnostic bowel screening because they were
considered too young.
Professor Frank
Frizelle, a Bowel Cancer NZ medical advisor says, “Bowel
cancer is increasingly prevalent in younger people. In New
Zealand, research has shown that among patients aged under
In its fourth year, the Never Too Young campaign will highlight the patients and families behind these numbers through a viral social media campaign. “We need people to understand that bowel cancer can strike at any age and that sometimes you need to advocate for yourself because, in many places, our health system isn’t up to it. So, if you have symptoms, get to your GP immediately, and make sure you get some answers,” Halliwell said. Bowel Cancer New Zealand general manager Rebekah Heal agrees. “The Never Too Young campaign drives home how important it is for everyone of any age to know the symptoms of bowel cancer. These include bleeding from the bottom; a change of bowel habit; any lumps in the stomach; fatigue or tiredness; anaemia and unexplained weight loss.”