Speaking of wasting Government money

[*crikey*mate*]

I just collected a package from the post office from the Australian Government (that's what it said on the envelope) It was addressed to my OH - it had all this informational stuff in it about bowel cancer.

Yeah, yeah, keeping people informed etc - but the postage alone must have been $3 plus the cost of whatever was in the package (it was A4 and chockers and I reckon must have only made the 20mm thick rule by a cat's whisker) and the wage of the person who had to correlate it all and pack it.

But it was specifically addressed to him, so there is a system somewhere deciding who gets these packages.

My OH has no history of cancer, so why they picked him out I have no idea.

Wonder how many other people got these and how much this drained the coffers.

Sure, keep people informed etc, but I reckon I could think of a few less expensive ways to do it.

[cherry*135]

it's not the reminder I object to, it's the cost of that reminder - if they just want people to be aware, why not find a less expensive way to make them aware? Why not just do a mass letter box drop or even just a small letter that costs 60c to post, put notices up throughout the community etc

It is not just to make people aware. It is to encourage people to complete the test provided and find out if they have bowel cancer or not.

Making people aware with posters etc, doesn't mean people will bother  going to go to Medical Centre and ask for a bowel cancer test.

They may think you and say I don't have a history of cancer, I don't need to do that.

The first time one gets cancer, you don't have a history of it beforehand.

[*crikey*mate*]

It doesn't matter what the government does they will be criticised.

It's a Test Kit. You do the test and return as instructed and they reply with results.

The alternative is everyone over the age of 50 all rocking up to their doctors to have a test done. Far more costly and far more taxing on the health system.

I think it's a great idea, a test you can do in the privacy of your own home.

Oh, and if you think the test kit is a PITA you're probably doing it wrong;-)

LOL at the last bit - how many do you reckon will do the test though? (I didn't know there was an actual test in it - so sorry about that) I reckon there would be an awful lot of wasted tests dispensed.

and I can only imagine what the test might involve - eeewwwwww - how do you return that hygenically???

[cherry*135]

.. saw it was this really thick thing from the Gov and had a moment of concern so ripped it open, still not realizing it wasn't addressed to me, and pulled out this cardboard box thing and a whole heap of other papers.

It was a test kit then?

I think we are fortunate in Aust that the Govt takes these intitiatives. 

[cherry*135]

and I can only imagine what the test might involve - eeewwwwww - how do you return that hygenically???

me thinks you should have read the enclosed material and studied the pack before you started this thread.

I think people will send it back (I did) as it is easy to do, prepaid post, drop in Post Office mail box.

[*crikey*mate*]

When will invitations be sent to participate in the program?

I While you will be invited as close as possible to your birthday, you may receive your invitation up to six months after your birthday.

http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/bowel-about

well, they're either 2 1/2 years early or 2 1/2 years late

[cherry*135]

The alternative is everyone over the age of 50 all rocking up to their doctors to have a test done.

That is a good point. Would cost the Govt around $25 per person for the Medicare benefit. Plus not many would bother doing it.

[joz*garage]

hey, i never recieved a test kit

[debra9275]

I think it's great that they send them out.

[freddie*rooster]

I'm currently on a 2 month waiting list for a colonoscopy,  and was told I would probably be called before that,  how good  is that?

[crystal-gems]

A waste?   These kits have saved countless lives of people who would not have bothered with the test otherwise.   A lot more cost effective for the taxpayer than treatments and

operations left too late.