You’re never too young
Anyone can get bowel cancer – at any age.
Every day in Aotearoa, nine people are diagnosed with bowel cancer – and three will lose their lives to it. It’s New Zealand’s second deadliest cancer, and it doesn’t just affect older adults. Each year, around 350 people under 50 are diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer.
The good news is that when it’s found early, up to 90% of cases are curable – which is why awareness and early action are so important.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Talk to your GP – you’re never too young to get checked.
Never Too Young Report
More than 400 New Zealanders diagnosed under 50 shared their experiences to help drive change. Their stories reveal missed symptoms, delayed diagnoses, and the urgent need for earlier screening. Read the Never Too Young Report.
Check your symptoms – you're never too young
Every day in Aotearoa, nine people are diagnosed with bowel cancer – and three lose their lives to it. Rates are rising fastest in people under 50, yet many are diagnosed too late. If you notice symptoms, see your GP. If you feel unheard, seek a second opinion. Check your symptoms here.
Help us advocate to lower the screening age
Every year of delay means more New Zealanders are diagnosed too late. It’s time to act – lower the bowel screening age to 45 and save lives. Download our advocacy letter and send it to your local MP, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Health. Take Action!
Help us spread the word
Start conversations that save lives.
Engage with and share our posts, and talk to friends and whānau about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
Together, we can raise awareness and change perceptions
You’re never too young to be diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Real people. Real stories.
Every year, hundreds of New Zealanders under 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer – each with their own story to tell.
Meet our Never Too Young ambassadors: five incredible people who’ve shared their journeys to help raise awareness, break stigma, and inspire others to take action.
Jess
Thompson
diagnosed at 26
Watch Jess’s story
David
Shorter
diagnosed at 41
Watch David’s story
Amelia
Noyes
diagnosed at 26
Watch Amelia’s story
Alex
Pledger
diagnosed at 33
Watch Alex’s story
Kerry
Bary
diagnosed at 49
Watch Kerry’s story
You’re never too young to be diagnosed with bowel cancer.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and talk to your GP or healthcare professional.
And if you’ve recently been diagnosed, are in treatment, or adjusting to life afterwards – we’re here for you.
Just diagnosed?
A bowel cancer diagnosis can be a shock. Here’s what to expect next, and how to find information, guidance, and support along the way. Find out more
We're here for you
If you’ve been diagnosed young, support is available. Connect with our nurse helpline, online groups, financial assistance, and free physio and counselling services. Get Support
Is it genetic?
Bowel cancer isn’t always hereditary – but in some families, genetics can increase risk. Find out what to look for and when to get tested. Learn more
How can I reduce my risk?
While no cancer is completely preventable, you can lower your risk of bowel cancer through small, healthy changes to your diet, lifestyle, and routine screening. Find out more
Recent Survey Statistics
49% of patients and survivor respondents were not aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer before they were diagnosed.
35% of patients waited more than 5 months before seeing a doctor, thinking the symptoms would go away and weren’t serious.
65% of young patients reported experiencing anxiety and/or depression during or after their treatment.
89% of patients were working or studying full-time, and 73% had school-age children when they were diagnosed.
55% of young patients saw 2 or more doctors before a referral was sent for further investigations.
84% of young patients who had a stoma felt it affected their intimate relationships, with 73% indicating it affected their body image.
81% of young patients expressed a fear of recurrence (the cancer coming back), and 70% suffered emotional exhaustion.
65% of young patients were diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 bowel cancer. Nearly 40% of respondents weren’t aware of what stage they were.
60% of young patients reported having 2 or more symptoms of bowel cancer before being diagnosed.
What are we calling for?
Bowel Cancer New Zealand is calling for urgent action to improve early detection, diagnosis, and care for younger New Zealanders.
Greater awareness – so everyone, including health professionals, recognises that bowel cancer can affect people under 50 and knows the symptoms to watch for
Faster testing and diagnosis – younger people with symptoms should be referred for investigation without unnecessary delay
Age-appropriate, culturally responsive care – treatment and support that reflect the unique needs of younger patients and their whānau
Better access to screening and testing – including increased colonoscopy capacity and lowering the national screening age from 58 to 45
Personal stories: too many, too young.
Read the stories of some of the many Kiwis whose lives have been affected by bowel cancer. No matter what their age, we believe they were all too young.
#nevertooyoung #getchecked #beatbowelcancer
