The Government has today (6 March) agreed to lower the starting age for the National Bowel Screening Programme, starting with a ‘first step’ to lower the age to 58 in two regions from October this year.
Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown announced the change this morning during his address at the Cancer Society’s In Pursuit 2025 Cancer Research and Innovation Conference in Christchurch.
Cancer Society Chief Executive Nicola Coom acknowledges that this is a ‘first step’ but we must go further and faster. The Cancer Society has long recommended that population bowel screening should start at 50 years and continue to 74 years.
“We appreciate this announcement reflects the workforce challenges and capacity constraints our health system is under. As these are addressed, we look forward to the criteria continuing to be lowered.
“We also remain concerned that the previous commitment and funding to prioritise lowering the screening age for Māori and Pacific peoples to 50 has been reversed, as these groups have a higher proportion of bowel cancer cases under the current screening eligibility. Addressing equity is critical to this programme, and a focus for us and all our partners uniting here in Ōtautahi Christchurch in pursuit of game changing breakthroughs for cancer in New Zealand.”
For more information please contact:
Maria De Cort
Senior Communications Advisor, Cancer Society of New Zealand
maria@cancer.org.nz | 021 991 952
About the Cancer Society of New Zealand
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country's leading organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders. We are committed to working with communities and decision makers by providing leadership and advocacy in cancer control, with core services in information and support, research and cancer prevention.