27/09/2026
STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER 30 2026
The starting age for bowel screening is lowered from age 58 to 56.
Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in Aotearoa New Zealand. More than 3,300 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year and more than 1,200 die from it. The screening test picks up bowel cancer in 7 out of 10 people who have it at the time of screening. At least 40% of the cancers detected are early stage when they can often be successfully treated. Free bowel screening test kits are posted to eligible people every 2 years. Locally, districts raise awareness of bowel screening and encourage people to take part and provide diagnostic services such as colonoscopy.
