Advocacy
We speak up for the thousands of New Zealanders affected by bowel cancer. From screening access to drug funding, we're campaigning for change at every level.
Key win: screening expanded nationwide
From March 2026, the National Bowel Screening Programme has been expanded to include all New Zealanders aged 58 to 74. This landmark achievement follows years of sustained advocacy by Bowel Cancer New Zealand and represents a significant step forward in early detection of bowel cancer across Aotearoa.
National Bowel Screening Programme
Bowel Cancer New Zealand has been a driving force behind New Zealand's National Bowel Screening Programme since its inception. Bowel screening detects cancer early, when treatment is most effective and survival rates are highest.
Advocating for the programme
Bowel Cancer New Zealand campaigned for a national screening programme for over a decade, making the case through research, public engagement, and direct lobbying of government. The programme launched as a pilot in 2017 and has been progressively rolled out since.
Expanding the age range
The initial programme covered ages 60-74. Bowel Cancer New Zealand advocated strongly for lowering the start age, presenting evidence on the rising incidence of bowel cancer in younger populations. From March 2026, screening now starts at age 58.
Increasing participation
Screening only works if people take the test. Bowel Cancer New Zealand runs awareness campaigns and works with communities, particularly Maori and Pacific communities, to improve uptake and reduce barriers to participation.
Ongoing advocacy
We continue to push for the starting age to be lowered further to 45, in line with evidence on rising incidence in younger populations and international best practice. We also advocate for improved follow-up pathways for positive results and adequate resourcing across all regions.
PHARMAC & drug access
Too many New Zealanders with bowel cancer lack access to funded treatments that are standard of care in other countries. Bowel Cancer New Zealand is campaigning for change.
The unfunded drugs campaign
Several targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs that are publicly funded in Australia, the UK, and other comparable countries remain unfunded by PHARMAC in New Zealand. This means people diagnosed with bowel cancer either go without, pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket, or rely on clinical trials and compassionate access.
What we're doing
- •Engaging directly with PHARMAC on funding decisions and priority reviews
- •Submitting evidence-based submissions to PHARMAC consultations
- •Amplifying the voices of those affected and sharing real stories of the impact of unfunded drugs
- •Working with oncologists and clinicians to build the clinical case for funding
- •Media engagement to raise public awareness of the gap between NZ and comparable countries
Government engagement
Bowel Cancer New Zealand engages with Members of Parliament, select committees, Health NZ, and government agencies to advocate for policies that improve bowel cancer outcomes.
Parliamentary advocacy
We meet regularly with MPs and Ministers to brief them on bowel cancer issues, present data, and advocate for policy change. Bowel Cancer New Zealand has presented to the Health Select Committee on screening, drug funding, and cancer care.
Health NZ engagement
We work with Health NZ on the implementation and expansion of the National Bowel Screening Programme, equity initiatives, and cancer care pathways.
Policy submissions
Bowel Cancer New Zealand makes formal submissions on government consultations related to cancer care, health spending, and drug funding – ensuring the voice of people affected by bowel cancer and their whānau is heard.
Cross-party support
Bowel cancer affects New Zealanders regardless of politics. We work constructively with all parties to build cross-party support for screening, treatment access, and research investment.
Screening age expansion
The expansion of the National Bowel Screening Programme to include ages 58-74 from March 2026 is one of Bowel Cancer New Zealand's most significant advocacy wins. Here's the timeline:
National Bowel Screening Programme launches as a regional pilot for ages 60-74.
Programme progressively rolls out to all District Health Boards nationwide.
Bowel Cancer New Zealand begins formal campaign for lowering the screening start age, citing rising incidence in younger adults.
Government announces commitment to expand the screening age range following sustained advocacy.
Screening expanded to ages 58-74 nationwide. All eligible New Zealanders can now access free bowel screening.
Stay informed
Follow our advocacy work and stay up to date on the latest developments in bowel cancer policy and campaigns.