Young New Zealanders facing bowel cancer were front and centre at Parliament this week, as Bowel Cancer New Zealand formally launched Never Too Young – The bowel cancer diagnosis and treatment journey of younger New Zealanders.
Hosted by Sam Uffindell MP, the evening brought together cross-party MPs and ministers, alongside representatives from Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, researchers from the University of Otago, patients, and supporters.
The launch created space for lived experience, clinical expertise and policy leadership to sit side by side – a deliberate step toward addressing the growing challenge of early-onset bowel cancer in New Zealand.
“Change is needed – and change is possible”
Chief Executive Peter Huskinson spoke to the findings of the report, which draws on the experiences of more than 350 New Zealanders diagnosed under the age of 50.
It captures their struggle to be heard, the profound impact on life, work and family, and the gaps in care experienced by younger adults undergoing treatment.
Change is needed – and change is possible. Despite bowel cancer being the leading cause of cancer death for New Zealanders under 50, there is currently no nationally coordinated response plan. Together, in this room, we have the power to change that – and to improve outcomes for younger New Zealanders facing bowel cancer.
The report highlights delayed referrals, inconsistent access to colonoscopy, the lack of screening protection, and the significant personal and financial toll of treatment during life’s busiest years. It also outlines practical opportunities to improve symptom awareness, strengthen diagnostic pathways, and progress screening reform.
Minister of Health Simeon Brown reaffirmed the commitment to match Australia’s screening age, and acknowledged recent developments, including the first step of lowering of the screening age to 58 and the continued rollout of FIT testing for people with symptoms. The discussion reinforced the importance of maintaining progress to ensure earlier detection.
“Listening saves dignity”
Ambassador Amelia Noyes shared her experience of being diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer at just 26.
She spoke of a family history spanning three generations, a colonoscopy referral declined at 21, and years of symptoms being attributed to less serious conditions before cancer was finally confirmed.
Young people get bowel cancer. We do not fit the profile, and because of that, our concerns are too often dismissed.
Amelia described the impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis just weeks after becoming engaged, and the urgency of fertility decisions made under treatment timeframes.
Early intervention saves lives. But listening saves dignity.
Her message was clear – symptoms matter, family history matters, and younger patients deserve to be taken seriously the first time they seek help.
A shared responsibility
Professor Frank Frizelle, Medical Advisor to Bowel Cancer New Zealand and author of the report foreword, reinforced the clinical urgency.
Early-onset bowel cancer is increasing, and our systems must respond. The commonplace delays in diagnosis in New Zealand are not inevitable – they are addressable. Screening at 45 will make a significant contribution to saving lives.
The evening reflected a shared commitment across politics, health leadership and research to strengthen early detection and improve outcomes for younger New Zealanders.
The Never Too Young Report is available at nevertooyoung.org.nz