ABOUT BOWEL CANCER
Bowel Cancer Screening Options
Bowel screening in New Zealand
The National Bowel Screening Programme offers free bowel screening every two years to people who are eligible for the publicly funded programme in New Zealand.
Eligibility criteria can change over time. You can check whether you are currently eligible on the Health New Zealand website.
If you are not eligible for the National Bowel Screening Programme, there are still ways to check your bowel health. The information below explains what options may be available.
Do you have symptoms of bowel cancer?
If you have symptoms of bowel cancer, you should not rely on a screening test. See your GP as soon as possible so they can assess your symptoms and arrange appropriate investigations.
Common symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Blood in your poo
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrower poo)
- Ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness or iron deficiency
Your GP may carry out an examination and organise initial investigations such as blood tests or further tests if needed.
You can read more about the common symptoms of bowel cancer here.
Options if you are outside the screening programme
If you do not have symptoms but are not eligible for the National Bowel Screening Programme, several private at-home stool tests are available in New Zealand. These tests involve collecting a small stool (poo) sample at home and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
A stool test alone cannot diagnose bowel cancer. Some tests look for hidden blood or other markers that may indicate an increased risk. If an abnormal result is found, further investigation such as a colonoscopy may be recommended.
At-home bowel tests available in New Zealand
Allevia Screening
- Allevia Radiology offers an at-home FIT (faecal immunochemical test) that detects hidden blood in the stool
- Blood in the stool can sometimes be an early sign of bowel cancer or other conditions affecting the bowel
- The test is completed at home, and the sample is returned to a laboratory for analysis
Cost: $145
More information and ordering details are available through Allevia Radiology.
IGENZ Screening
- IGENZ offers an at-home stool test designed to detect cancer-related markers in a stool sample
- The test kit is ordered online and completed at home. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis
Cost: $265
More information and ordering details can be found on the IGENZ website.
True Proactive
- True Proactive provides an at-home FIT (faecal immunochemical test) that detects hidden blood in the stool
- Blood in the stool can sometimes be an early sign of bowel cancer or other conditions affecting the bowel
- The test is completed at home, and the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. All results are reviewed by a registered doctor, and True Proactive advises that any positive results are followed up with you directly by the doctor
Cost: $165
More information and ordering details can be found on the True Proactive website.
True Proactive has advised that when this link is used, a 15% discount will be automatically applied at checkout, and $10 from each test purchased will be donated to support the work of Bowel Cancer New Zealand.
Bowel Cancer New Zealand does not endorse specific commercial screening tests. The options listed above are provided for information only.
Private investigations
If you have private health insurance, your policy may cover investigations such as a colonoscopy. Coverage varies between insurers and policies, so it is worth checking what diagnostic or surgical cover is included. An excess may still apply.
If you do not have private health insurance, you may still be able to access investigations privately with a GP referral, but these tests will need to be paid for.
Possible investigations may include:
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
Some people also choose to see a private gastroenterologist, a specialist in digestive diseases including bowel cancer. Costs vary between providers, so it is worth making enquiries before booking.
Family history of bowel cancer
If you have a family history of bowel cancer, it is important to discuss this with your GP.
Depending on your family history, you may be eligible for assessment through the New Zealand Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Service. Your GP can assess your family history and refer you to the service if you meet the referral criteria.
More information is available at: www.nzfgcs.co.nz
Early detection and prevention
For more information about bowel cancer risk and early detection, you can read our Early Detection of Bowel Cancer booklet.
If you have questions or would like to talk with someone, our patient support team is here to help.
Victoria Thompson
Patient Support Team Lead
Bowel Cancer New Zealand