Our very own Associate Professor Sue Crengle spoke with the ODT this week, concerning the inequities in the national bowel cancer screening programme, which discriminate against Māori. Currently, free bowel screening is provided to those aged 60-74 years of age. However, “Over 50% of Māori bowel cancer is diagnosed before 60”, says Dr Crengle.
According to Jane O'Hallahan (National screening unit clinical director), the Ministry of Health is currently working to change the screening age for Māori to 50-74, however, this would not come into effect until at least June 2021.
Dr Crengle said the change in the bowel cancer screening age range for Maori screening should be implemented immediately. "There is no reason why they have to wait. Waiting discriminates against Maori," she said.“
- For more information from the interview and read the article, click here.