Source: New Zealand Government
More than three million bowel screening kits have now been distributed nationwide since the National Bowel Screening Programme began, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This programme saves the lives of New Zealanders. Since it began in 2017 under the previous National-led government, more than three million bowel screening kits have been distributed, leading to more than 3,300 bowel cancers being detected. Over 40 per cent were found early, when they can often be successfully treated.”
Last year, the Government began lowering the starting age for free bowel screening from 60 to 58, the first step in its commitment to match Australia’s screening age.
“Lowering the age is already making a difference. Since the first tranche of districts went live in October 2025, 96 per cent of newly eligible 58- and 59-year-olds have been invited to screen, and more than half of those in the second tranche have been invited since it began on 23 March this year.
“So far, 1,320 people across the country have returned a positive result, and 37 cancers have been detected.
“Every one of those 37 people would have had to wait another two years for a screening kit under the old age limit. Instead, their cancer has been found sooner, giving them the best possible chance of successful treatment.”
Mr Brown says the Government is continuing to build on that progress.
“As part of Budget 2026, we announced the screening age would be lowered further, from 58 to 56, making more than 200,000 additional New Zealanders eligible for free screening. Over the next 25 years, that change is expected to prevent 638 bowel cancers and save 522 lives.
“From July, we also rolled out a simple home test nationwide for people with bowel cancer symptoms, known as the FIT for symptomatic pathway. It helps clinicians prioritise colonoscopies for those who need them most, freeing up the specialist capacity needed to keep safely lowering the screening age.
“We are committed to lowering the bowel screening age to match Australia, and we will keep going as quickly and as safely as we can.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/27/three-million-screening-kits-help-find-thousands-of-cancers/