Getting screened for bowel cancer if you’re under 50

How to get screened for bowel cancer if you are under 50 years old in Aotearoa New Zealand:

This isn’t as easy as going to your usual doctor and asking for a stool (poo) test to be done.

If you have bowel health concerns and symptoms (see here for the common symptoms of bowel cancer), please make an appointment with your doctor to discuss them. They can organise any blood tests or basic investigations as necessary, such as an abdominal exam (feel your tummy) and/or a rectal exam to check for any obvious lumps, bumps or masses.

For those who have private health insurance with a more comprehensive cover policy, you may be able to access investigations, like a colonoscopy, using this. It is worth checking the type of policy you have and considering the additional surgical and diagnostics cover. There will still be the ‘excess’ to pay; however, most companies will cover the rest.

Without private health insurance, you can still access investigations with a GP/usual doctor referral, but you will need to pay for them yourself. These investigations could include a plain abdominal X-ray, CT Colonography (a virtual colonoscopy), sigmoidoscopy, or a colonoscopy. We also often recommend going privately to see a gastroenterologist who specialises in cancers like bowel cancer. Prices will vary from place to place and from provider to provider, so it pays to make enquiries.

Should there be a family history of bowel cancer and close members were diagnosed under the age of 55yrs (close family would include: mother, father, siblings), you could contact the NZ Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Services for more information about screening options. website: www.nzfgcs.co.nz

Another option could be to do a home self-test. Recently launched in Aotearoa New Zealand, this test can detect cancer cells in a stool (poo) sample. More information can be found here. While a result showing ‘increased risk’ does NOT guarantee publicly funded investigations, it can form part of a referral in conjunction with other findings and issues.

For further information, we have put together a booklet, ‘Early detection of bowel cancer’, which you can find here on our website. Also, reach out if you have any questions on 0800 226 968 or via email here4you@bowelcancernz.org.nz. If you prefer live chat, please head to our website to access this.

The most important thing to remember is that you’re never too young, so don’t sit on your symptoms – see your GP.

Victoria Thompson,
Bowel Cancer NZ Support Nurse