Experts on why bowel cancer screening changes are a concern

Government plans to lower the age for free bowel cancer screening for all New Zealanders by “redirecting” money previously set aside to lower the age for Māori and Pasifika has been described as “disappointing”.

“Screening is an essential tool for prevention and early detection, and expanding access will definitely save lives,” co-chair Hagen Tautari said.

“However, what we don’t want is to leave our people who are high-risk behind as they face substantially poorer health outcomes. What we need is an easier diagnostic process that removes systemic barriers.”