Dean of Health chairs independent Bowel Screening review
The Faculty's Dean, Professor Gregor Coster, has led a wide ranging independent review of the national bowel screening programme.
New Zealand has one of the highest bowel cancer rates in the world. Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, but it can be treated successfully if it is detected and treated early. The 90-page review stated substantial effort was going into transitioning from the pilot to national screening, which was being rolled out in stages, with five district health boards screening now and the rest by 2021. Its roll-out is progressing well but Professor Coster highlights a bigger role for GP's is needed, as well as a greater number of well-trained colonoscopists in DHB's to do the screening.
Read more about the report's findings here