Lowering bowel screening age welcomed, but reallocation of funding raises equity concerns

Pinnacle acknowledges today’s government announcement lowering the age of eligibility for free bowel screening to 58 as a positive step toward earlier cancer detection. However, discontinuing the targeted approach for Māori and Pasifika, who experience higher rates of early-onset bowel cancer and poorer outcomes, remains deeply concerning.

“We welcome the decision to extend screening to all New Zealanders aged 58 to 74, but reallocating funding from the targeted Māori and Pasifika programme, which previously allowed screening from age 50, is inherently inequitable – and appalling,” said Pinnacle’s clinical director, Dr Jo Scott-Jones.

“These communities remain disproportionately affected by bowel cancer, developing it earlier and experiencing worse outcomes.”

Bowel cancer is one of New Zealand’s leading causes of cancer deaths, with more than 3,300 people diagnosed yearly and over 1,200 deaths. Research shows Māori and Pasifika develop bowel cancer younger and have lower survival rates than non-Māori, non-Pasifika populations.

“Targeted screening for Māori and Pasifika aged 50 and over was based on strong evidence. Stopping that programme in December, only to now reintroduce screening at 58 for all New Zealanders, raises serious questions about the government’s approach to equity,” said Dr Scott-Jones. “Screening should be based on need, not a blanket approach that fails to reach those most at risk.”

The targeted programme for Māori and Pasifika aged 50-59 was abruptly halted in Waikato before Christmas, despite its success. Over two years, the Waikato pilot invited approximately 12,300 people to screen, with 4,400 completing a test, 164 testing positive, and six cancers detected early.

“The sudden stop to the programme was a setback for Māori and Pasifika health equity. While today’s announcement benefits the general population and we welcome that, it does not undo the harm caused to those previously eligible but now left out.

“Early detection saves lives. The government must strengthen its focus on equity and reinstate screening for Māori and Pasifika from age 50. The evidence is clear, policy decisions are needed that genuinely reflect need and ensure vulnerable populations are not left behind.”