Southlander Reverend Tau Ben-Unu admits he wasn’t keen to do bowel screening test when it arrived in the post. However,  thoughts of his family persuaded him he needed to. That decision probably saved his life. The test was positive and a follow-up colonoscopy found a cancerous growth in his bowel. He then had a ‘straightforward’ operation to remove the growth.

“The screening test meant we found the cancer early,” he says. “I didn’t need any other treatment at all after the operation, so I was very fortunate. It’s a great feeling that I can now put it behind me.”

Reverend Ben-Unu has shared his personal story to persuade others – particularly other Pacific men –to take the screening test.

“The test is easy – it’s the decision that is hard,” he acknowledges. “My plea to Pacific Island men is, if you get the test pack, go ahead and do it. There’s no need to fear.” Reverend Ben-Unu is now fit and well, and back at the pulpit.