Science Media Centre

Getting appendicitis when you’re over 45 could be the first sign of underlying colorectal cancer, according to a study published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal. In an Australasian first, the New Zealand researchers looked retrospectively at over 600 patients who had been diagnosed with appendicitis between 2003 and 2015, all aged over 45 […]

Targeting six lifestyle factors could considerably reduce bowel cancer rates, according to a new study investigating risk factors for the disease. Published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal, the study examined the bowel cancer risk factors associated with obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking and consuming red and processed meat – plus the benefits associated with […]

A diet high in fatty acids from oily fish might reduce the risk of dying from bowel cancer, but experts caution the findings are preliminary. New US-based research indicates there might be a link between high dietary omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and a lowered risk of death in bowel cancer patients. The findings, […]

The national budget announced today reveals an investement in a national bowel screening programme: Budget 2016 invests $39.3 million over four years for national bowel screening – starting with Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs. This will be followed by a progressive roll-out across the country. The SMC collected the following commentary. Associate Professor Brian Cox, […]

Increasing economic development is linked with growing rates of bowel cancer, but some high-income countries – including New Zealand – seem to be exceptions, according to a global cancer study. Drawing on data from 184 countries, researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that rates of bowel cancer increased with levels of […]

This week the New Zealand Herald has run an extensive five-part series – in print and online – delving deep into controversies in cancer testing and treatment and reporting on the moving stories of people afflicted with cancer. The ‘Cancer: the cost of a life’ series, authored by Herald health reporter Martin Johnston, is supported […]

The release of a major report on bowel cancer this week has re-ignited debate over nationwide screening for the disease. Bowel cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand, which has the highest rate of both bowel cancer and related deaths in the developed world. Around 1200 New Zealanders die each year from the disease, with […]