Bowel cancer
New Zealand has one of the highest bowel cancer rates in the world.
Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, but it can be treated successfully if it is detected and treated early.
- Bowel cancer is more common as you get older – particularly from the age of 50.
- It affects more men than women.
- A diet relatively high in red meat and animal fats, and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre, may contribute to bowel cancer.
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Lack of exercise is also a risk factor.
Find out more from the Ministry
The Ministry of Health established a Bowel Cancer Programme in 2009 to lead work aimed at improving bowel cancer outcomes for all New Zealanders.
The Programme’s priority is to strengthen bowel cancer services across the country so they can effectively meet both the current demand and increased demand in the future. This involves ensuring diagnostic, surveillance and treatment services are working effectively and to a high standard.
A four-year bowel screening pilot will begin by late 2011 to determine whether a bowel screening programme should be rolled out nationally. No decision will be made on implementing a national programme until all monitoring and evaluation data from the pilot has been analysed.
Resources
Bowel Cancer: Information for people at increased risk of bowel cancer
Available from the New Zealand Guidelines Group
Bowel Screening Pilot Resources
Available from the Ministry.
Related websites
Cancer Society
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country’s largest source of information about cancer and its effects. This website provides information on types of cancer, diagnosis, methods of treatment and advice on living with cancer.
Best Health
The Ministry has funded free access to this British Medical Journal website for people in New Zealand. It provides information on different cancers and describes treatments that work or are likely to work, the harms and benefits, treatments that are unlikely to work or may be harmful and information on tests and operations. This link takes you to the section on bowel cancer.
Better Health Channel
The Better Health Channel was established by the Victorian (Australia) State Government. It provides a wide range of health and medical information on conditions including cancer.
Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa
A nationwide, patient-led organisation committed to reducing the impact of bowel cancer through awareness, education and support. This website provides information on symptoms, tests and treatment for bowel cancer.
NZ Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry
The New Zealand Familial Gastrointestinal Registry is a new service that offers assessment, diagnosis and surveillance of inherited gastrointestinal cancer syndromes.
BowelScreeningWaitemata
Website for the Government bowel screening programme, which is being piloted in the Waitemata District Health Board area from late 2011 until late 2015.
Page last updated: 01 March 2012
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