The 38-year-old mother-of-two was diagnosed in October, after paying $2000 for a private colonoscopy to beat the five-six month delay in the public system. But there was just no way to do that in the public system." Bowel Cancer New Zealand medical advisor Professor Frank Frizelle said those with private health insurance - or money - had an advantage, even in the public system. The colorectal surgeon said bowel cancer rates in those under 50 had been rising 26 percent a decade - 36 percent for Māori. Pharmac's decision this month to fund two more bowel cancer drugs was welcome news.

Source: Stuff July 29, 2024 21:30 UTC