Latest news with #BowelCancerNZ
Scoop
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
New Survey Reveals Major Gaps In Awareness Of Bowel Cancer Symptoms
One in four New Zealanders can't yet spontaneously name a single symptom of bowel cancer – and even the most common red flags are flying under the radar. New research from Bowel Cancer New Zealand reveals a critical gap in public awareness of the country's second-deadliest cancer, with one in four adults unable to name a single symptom of bowel cancer without prompting. That figure jumps to 41% among under-30s, despite rising rates of bowel cancer in younger Kiwis[i]. The nationally representative survey of more than 1,250 adults – the first major study into bowel cancer awareness in New Zealand – also found that just one in five people (21%) feel well informed about bowel cancer. Even among those aged 60 and over, who have reached the eligibility age for screening, nearly three-quarters (72%) said they don't feel well informed. 'Bowel cancer is the second-highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, but it shouldn't be,' says Peter Huskinson, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ. 'It's beatable and treatable if caught early. Awareness is the first step toward prevention, but right now, too many Kiwis are in the dark,' he says. Symptom blind spots a cause for concern While blood in your poo was the most commonly-recalled symptom, it was named by just 40% of people without prompting. One in five (21%) spontaneously mentioned abdominal pain as a potential warning sign, however just 14% spontaneously mentioned a change in bowel habits, despite it being just as common a symptom as blood in the stool in people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fewer than one in ten New Zealanders spontaneously identified symptoms such as bleeding from the bottom (9%), unexplained weight loss (9%) or fatigue (just 5%). Even when prompted, many people failed to clearly connect these symptoms to bowel cancer risk. 'Symptoms like fatigue, weight loss or bowel habit changes can be easy to ignore or attribute to something else – but they could be a warning sign,' says Sue Crengle, GP and Bowel Cancer NZ Medical Advisor. 'Knowing what to look for, and seeing your GP if something's not right, is critical.' Cost and uncertainty keeping Kiwis with symptoms from the GP The survey also revealed several key barriers stopping or delaying people from seeing their doctor if they notice or were concerned about potential symptoms. Symptom uncertainty was one of the most commonly cited, with 26% unsure about symptoms and whether they needed a check-up and 23% unsure about severity of symptoms and whether they warranted a doctor's visit. Cost was also a key barrier to seeing a doctor, cited by 22% of respondents – rising to one in three among under-45s. This trend was consistent across incomes and ethnicities. 'It's deeply concerning that cost could stop someone from getting checked for bowel cancer symptoms,' says Crengle. 'We need to make it easier, not harder, for people to act early – that means better awareness, and more affordable access to primary care. A further 13% said embarrassment or discomfort discussing bowel issues would put them off seeking help. People under 45 were also the least likely to act. Fewer than 60% said they'd be 'very likely' to see a doctor if they noticed symptoms, compared to more than 80% of those aged 60+. Bowel Cancer NZ ambassador Dean Barker, diagnosed at age 46, says recognising symptoms and acting early made all the difference. While training with his America's Cup team in the US, he noticed blood in his stool. After a couple of weeks of hoping the problem was going to go away, Dean saw a doctor – a decision that led to early diagnosis and ultimately successful treatment. 'This research shows there is still work to be done when it comes to recognising the signs of bowel cancer and acting on it,' says Barker. 'Don't sit on your symptoms. Know what to look for and if something doesn't feel right, don't tough it out or put if off – get it checked.' Screening: The best-kept secret in cancer prevention Despite its life-saving potential, many New Zealanders remain unaware that bowel screening can prevent cancer, not just detect it. Only 11% of those not recently exposed to Bowel Cancer NZ messaging knew this. Among those who had recently seen or heard from the charity, spontaneous awareness for this as a way of reducing the risk for bowel cancer more than doubled to 26%. Media exposure also significantly boosted knowledge. 'That free test in your mailbox doesn't just detect cancer - it can stop it before it starts,' says Huskinson. 'Don't leave it in a drawer. Put it by the loo and get it done.' David Downs knows the value of early screening. At 54, he was at an age doctors agree screening is needed, but below the Government's eligibility age of 58. Having survived other cancer, he opted to purchase a test privately due to past concerns. Two weeks later, results flagged an elevated risk. A follow-up colonoscopy found 10 pre-cancerous polyps. 'Had I waited another six years until I was eligible, I could have had serious issues,' says Downs. His story highlights why lowering the national screening age is so critical – not everyone can afford to wait, or to pay. When screening isn't an option, symptom awareness and action are even more critical More than 3,300 Kiwis are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, and 1,200 will die from it. 'That's a tragedy – because we know that an early diagnosis saves lives,' Huskinson says. 'With screening currently limited to those aged 58 and over, symptom awareness remains our strongest line of defence. Acting early, before symptoms become severe, can mean the difference between a treatable diagnosis at the GP and a late-stage emergency presentation.' Far too many New Zealanders are being diagnosed in emergency departments – often when the cancer is more advanced and harder to treat. In New Zealand, more than one in four bowel cancer cases (26%) are detected this way, compared to 18% in the UK[ii]. The picture is even worse for Māori and Pacific peoples. Within New Zealand, 35% of Māori and 44% of Pacific peoples are diagnosed in emergency settings, compared to 28% of Asian people and 25% of New Zealand European and other ethnicities. 'Everyone in Aotearoa cares about health and wants to stay cancer free, but first people need to know what to look out for. That's why we are committed to making symptom awareness part of the national conversation. If something doesn't feel right, don't wait. Talk to your GP. No one ever died of embarrassment – but they do die of bowel cancer,' concludes Huskinson. Don't sit on your symptoms Fill out Bowel Cancer NZ's simple symptom checker at If you notice any of the signs below, don't ignore them: Bleeding from the bottom or in your poo A persistent change in bowel habits Ongoing, periodic, or severe abdominal pain Unexplained weight loss or fatigue A lump or swelling in the abdomen Notes: [i] BMC Cancer. 2024;24(1):456. Waddell O et al. 'The incidence of early onset colorectal cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand' [ii] National Bowel Cancer Audit (NBOCA). Annual Report 2021. Available at: and Bowel Cancer Quality Improvement Report. Auckland DHB and Health Quality & Safety Commission New Zealand, March 2019.
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Health
- NZ Herald
New research reveals frightening gaps in bowel cancer awareness
Bowel Cancer NZ CEO Peter Huskinson tells Ryan Bridge one in four Kiwis can't name a single symptom of the country's second-deadliest cancer.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Radio Hauraki's "Day In Loo' Returns For A Third Year To Raise Bowel Cancer Awareness
Iconic radio personalities, sporting legends and other well-known Kiwis will soon unite for a 12-hour live broadcast from the 'bowels of Eden Park' for Radio Hauraki's third Day in Loo event to raise awareness of bowel cancer. Taking place from 6am to 6pm on Wednesday 18 June during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, this year's event features a unique venue change to Eden Park's changing sheds – aptly renamed "the bowels of Eden Park" for this special occasion. All proceeds go to Bowel Cancer NZ, a 100% community-funded charity dedicated to patient support, advocacy, vital research and reducing the impact of bowel cancer across the country. Along with Radio Hauraki, the team from The Alternative Commentary Collective (The ACC) will also be supporting the event, with well-known sporting legends joining in what organisers describe as "Good Sports Talking Sh*t" – a light-hearted approach to discussing a serious illness affecting thousands of New Zealanders every year. The event will also be attended by Dai Henwood ONZM - friend of Radio Hauraki, much-loved comedian and media personality, who was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer in 2020. Todd Campbell, Content Director for Radio Hauraki says: "Every day, eight Kiwis receive a bowel cancer diagnosis and we're dedicated to using our platforms to shine a spotlight on this critical health issue, spreading awareness of the symptoms that could save lives. Eden Park has seen some huge victories over the years and we're hoping to knock this out of the park for Bowel Cancer New Zealand, adding bowel cancer awareness growth to that list of Eden Park wins." Peter Huskinson, Bowel Cancer NZ CEO, says: "We're so delighted that our friends at Radio Hauraki are dedicating 12 hours of airtime again this year to help spread the word about bowel cancer. Open, honest conversation like this helps people know what to look for and when to get along to their doctor. This is a highly treatable disease when caught early, so we know that Kiwis acting on their symptoms because of Day in Loo will save lives." Jeremy Wells, Radio Hauraki Breakfast host says: "I have many fond memories of watching sport at Eden Park over the years and looking forward to moving the Hauraki studios into the changing sheds for this great cause. I understand the players' spa pool will be operational and I plan on jumping in with a few of our sporting guests.' Nick Sautner, CEO Eden Park says: 'We're delighted to welcome Radio Hauraki's Day in Loo to Eden Park in support of a cause that affects thousands of New Zealanders. We're proud to be renaming the changing sheds 'the bowels of Eden Park' for the day to support this important and meaningful campaign. We're honoured to stand alongside Bowel Cancer NZ and the team from Radio Hauraki to raise awareness in communities across Aotearoa.' People can listen to the Radio Hauraki live broadcast via radio or iHeartRadio and can contribute by making an instant $3 donation to Bowel Cancer NZ by texting LOO to 3779.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Broken Promise, Lost Lives: Government's Bowel Cancer Screening Pledge 98% Undelivered
Press Release – Bowel Cancer New Zealand Bowel cancer screening is a $30 test that prevents an $80,000 cancer. The human cost of delay is tragic and the economic case for early detection couldnt be clearer. It is indefensible for more Kiwis to continue losing their lives to this preventable, … Bowel Cancer New Zealand (NZ) is calling for urgent Government action this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. It warns that the delay in delivering a promised screening age reduction results in over 350 preventable cancers, and 80 people losing their lives every year. Despite a 2023 election pledge from Christopher Luxon and the Health Minister to lower the screening age from 60 to 45 to match Australia, just 2% of that commitment has been delivered. More than 900,000 New Zealanders remain without access to the screening that is standard care across the Tasman— a tool proven to detect cancer earlier and save lives. Bowel Cancer NZ has presented the Government with a clinically backed, affordable proposal to protect one million more New Zealanders by lowering the screening age to 45 for all, and to 35 for Māori and Pasifika, who face higher risk at younger ages. A petition supporting its proposal has been signed by 13,000 New Zealanders and is before Parliament. Peter Huskinson, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ says New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. It remains the country's second deadliest cancer, despite the fact 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early. 'Sadly 1,200 lives are lost to bowel cancer in New Zealand every year, including 350 under the age of 50. And new research [i] is telling us that early onset bowel cancer is on the rise.' Huskinson says screening is a simple, cost-effective solution that saves lives, and the Government must act now. 'Bowel cancer screening is a $30 test that prevents an $80,000 cancer. The human cost of delay is tragic – and the economic case for early detection couldn't be clearer. It is indefensible for more Kiwis to continue losing their lives to this preventable, treatable disease.' To date, the Government has added just 20,000 people to the screening programme – scrapping a fully funded plan to screen 100,000 Māori and Pasifika aged 50–59 and instead extending eligibility to all 58–59-year-olds (120,000 people). This is despite clear evidence that Māori and Pasifika face significantly higher risk at younger ages. 'More than half of all Māori bowel cancers occur before the current screening age of 60 and for those diagnosed, it's often at a later stage when it's less treatable,' says Professor Sue Crengle, Medical Advisor for Bowel Cancer NZ. 'As a result, they have less opportunity to benefit from bowel cancer screening in its current form than other ethnic groups.' As well as a higher risk of getting Bowel Cancer younger, data shows Māori are 46% more likely to die from bowel cancer than non-Māori, while Pasifika are 60% more likely. 'The system isn't acting early enough and is causing unnecessary suffering and deaths among Māori and Pacific communities – deaths that can be prevented with proper screening at the right age,' says Professor Crengle. This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer NZ is urging New Zealanders to know the symptoms, demand action, and add their voice to the call for a reduction in the screening age by writing a letter to their local MP. More information on this including MP details and a letter template can be found at Know your symptoms: Bowel cancer symptoms can come and go. Don't wait — see your GP if you experience: Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) Change in bowel habits that come and go over several weeks Persistent or sporadic abdominal pain Loss of weight for no obvious reason and/or feel tired and weak (symptoms of anaemia) Lump or swelling in the abdomen Bowel cancer is preventable and treatable — but only if it's caught early. If something doesn't feel right, see your doctor. More information on bowel cancer and the Bowel Cancer New Zealand charity can be found at Note:
Scoop
02-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Broken Promise, Lost Lives: Government's Bowel Cancer Screening Pledge 98% Undelivered
Bowel Cancer New Zealand (NZ) is calling for urgent Government action this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. It warns that the delay in delivering a promised screening age reduction results in over 350 preventable cancers, and 80 people losing their lives every year. Despite a 2023 election pledge from Christopher Luxon and the Health Minister to lower the screening age from 60 to 45 to match Australia, just 2% of that commitment has been delivered. More than 900,000 New Zealanders remain without access to the screening that is standard care across the Tasman— a tool proven to detect cancer earlier and save lives. Bowel Cancer NZ has presented the Government with a clinically backed, affordable proposal to protect one million more New Zealanders by lowering the screening age to 45 for all, and to 35 for Māori and Pasifika, who face higher risk at younger ages. A petition supporting its proposal has been signed by 13,000 New Zealanders and is before Parliament. Peter Huskinson, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ says New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. It remains the country's second deadliest cancer, despite the fact 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early. 'Sadly 1,200 lives are lost to bowel cancer in New Zealand every year, including 350 under the age of 50. And new research[i] is telling us that early onset bowel cancer is on the rise.' Huskinson says screening is a simple, cost-effective solution that saves lives, and the Government must act now. 'Bowel cancer screening is a $30 test that prevents an $80,000 cancer. The human cost of delay is tragic – and the economic case for early detection couldn't be clearer. It is indefensible for more Kiwis to continue losing their lives to this preventable, treatable disease.' To date, the Government has added just 20,000 people to the screening programme – scrapping a fully funded plan to screen 100,000 Māori and Pasifika aged 50–59 and instead extending eligibility to all 58–59-year-olds (120,000 people). This is despite clear evidence that Māori and Pasifika face significantly higher risk at younger ages. 'More than half of all Māori bowel cancers occur before the current screening age of 60 and for those diagnosed, it's often at a later stage when it's less treatable,' says Professor Sue Crengle, Medical Advisor for Bowel Cancer NZ. "As a result, they have less opportunity to benefit from bowel cancer screening in its current form than other ethnic groups.' As well as a higher risk of getting Bowel Cancer younger, data shows Māori are 46% more likely to die from bowel cancer than non-Māori, while Pasifika are 60% more likely. 'The system isn't acting early enough and is causing unnecessary suffering and deaths among Māori and Pacific communities - deaths that can be prevented with proper screening at the right age,' says Professor Crengle. This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer NZ is urging New Zealanders to know the symptoms, demand action, and add their voice to the call for a reduction in the screening age by writing a letter to their local MP. More information on this including MP details and a letter template can be found at Know your symptoms: Bowel cancer symptoms can come and go. Don't wait — see your GP if you experience: Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) Change in bowel habits that come and go over several weeks Persistent or sporadic abdominal pain Loss of weight for no obvious reason and/or feel tired and weak (symptoms of anaemia) Lump or swelling in the abdomen Bowel cancer is preventable and treatable — but only if it's caught early. If something doesn't feel right, see your doctor. More information on bowel cancer and the Bowel Cancer New Zealand charity can be found at Note:
