Bowel Screening
Free bowel screening is now available for people aged 58–74. Early detection saves lives — find out if you're eligible.
What is bowel screening?
The National Bowel Screening Programme is a free test that checks for early signs of bowel cancer. It's available to people aged 58–74 who are enrolled with a GP in New Zealand.
The test is a simple kit you use at home — no preparation needed. You collect a small sample and send it to a lab. Results are usually available within a few weeks.
If the test finds anything unusual, you'll be referred for a colonoscopy. Most people who have a colonoscopy don't have cancer — but catching it early makes all the difference.
Why screening matters
90%
Survival rate when caught at stage 1
15%
Survival rate when caught at stage 4
58–74
Age range for free screening
2 mins
Time to complete the home test
Not in the screening age range?
If you're under 58 or over 74 and have symptoms, don't wait — talk to your GP or use our symptom checker.