The free National Bowel Screening Programme launched in July for the first time in Counties Manukau, and the Counties Manukau Bowel Screening team are bringing the programme to the South Auckland community on Saturday 17 November, 10am-12pm, Mangere Town Centre.

Guest speakers include Fepulea’i Margie Apa (Chief Executive Officer, Counties Manukau Health), Hon. Aupito Tofae Su’a William Sio, and Counties Manukau Health Programme clinical lead Dr Alasdair Patrick.

There will also be cultural performances from local Pacific and Kapa Haka groups to entertain the whole family.

The programme will save lives by finding bowel cancer early when it can often be successfully treated.

Invitations are sent to eligible participants aged 60-74 years old. Around the time of their birthday, each will receive an invitation letter, home testing kit and consent form through the mail.

Come talk to the team to learn more about the programme and how you can register to receive a kit.

For more information, visit www.timetoscreen.nz or talk to your family doctor.

The free bowel screening programme is being rolled out nationally and is already available to people living in the Waitemata DHB area. Auckland DHB is expected to start bowel screening in 2019/2020.