The announcement that Government will lower the National Bowel Screening Programme age from 60 to 58 for all New Zealanders still puts us behind other developed countries and, by creating a universal screening age, will exacerbate health inquities for Māori.
Te Whare Piki Ora o Māhutonga - the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) says New Zealanders deserve the same public health standards as other countries, noting that the bowel screening age is much lower in countries such as Australia and America (45) and the UK (50).
RACS also expresses deep concern over the reversal of plans to lower the age for Māori and Pacific to age 50.
Chair of the RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee Dr Ros Pochin says the Government needs to be strategic about how it allocates resources in the health system to ensure the best health outcomes for New Zealanders.
"While increasing access to life-saving bowel cancer screening is a positive step, this plan doesn't shift the dial far enough and fails to address the stark health disparities Māori face."
Māori are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer at a younger age, and at more advanced stages, compared to non-Māori. Leading health experts and advocacy groups have long called for the screening age to be lowered to 50 for Māori and Pacific peoples, in line with the evidence.[1].
“The current proposal to lower the screening age to 58 may improve access for some, but it will widen the existing inequity for Māori,” says Dr Pochin.
“Without a targeted approach, this decision risks leaving Māori further behind, despite clear evidence that earlier screening would have the greatest impact on reducing preventable deaths in our communities.”
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand, and Māori are disproportionately affected by late diagnoses. A genuinely equitable screening programme must take a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based approach, prioritising those most at risk.
RACS urges the Government to reconsider its approach and lower the screening age to 50 for Māori and Pacific. Addressing bowel cancer disparities requires bold, evidence-based action that ensures all New Zealanders, particularly those at higher risk, have fair access to early detection and treatment.
Spokespeople:
Dr Ros Pochin, Chair, Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee, RACS
Dr John Mutu-Grigg, Chair, Māori Health Advisory Group, RACS
Dr Ben Cribb, Chair, Indigenous Health Committee, RACS
Dr Brian Kirkby, Chair, Surgical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Committee, RACS
