Bowel cancer remains one of New Zealand’s biggest cancer challenges and one we have a real opportunity to change.
Each year, around 3,000 Kiwis are diagnosed and approximately 1,200 lose their lives. That’s about nine people diagnosed every day, often without obvious symptoms.
That’s why early detection matters - when caught early, bowel cancer is highly treatable.
Who is most at risk?
While bowel cancer can affect anyone, the risk increases with age, and men are more likely to develop the disease than women.
Risk is also higher for those with:
- A family history
- Certain bowel conditions
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol use.
- This is why awareness, early screening, and acting on symptoms are so important.
Our role in early detection
Early detection is central to improving outcomes for people with bowel cancer - and it sits at the heart of what we do.
CT Colonography (CTC), also known as a virtual colonoscopy, is one of the tools that can help identify bowel cancer and pre-cancerous polyps early.
Why CTC matters:
- Non-invasive compared to traditional colonoscopy
- No sedation required
- Quick, typically 15 to 30 minutes
- Widely accessible
- Every scan we perform is an opportunity to detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes for our patients.
Who would benefit from this examination?
- Individuals aged 45 and above - Regular screening is recommended for both men and women starting at age 45.
- Those with symptoms – If you experience changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or blood in stools, a CT colonography can help identify the cause.
- Family history of colon cancer – If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, early and regular screening is crucial.
“Bowel cancer is one of the few cancers where we have a real opportunity to detect it early and intervene before it progresses. Encouraging people to get checked and increasing awareness of options like CT Colonography can make a significant difference in outcomes.” David Healey, Chief Medical Officer, RHCNZ (parent company of Pacific Radiology).
Know the signs. Start the conversation.
Bowel cancer can develop without symptoms, which is why it’s so important to stay aware and act early.
This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to:
- Know the signs
- Talk about bowel health
- Encourage friends and whānau to get checked
Together, we can make a difference, through awareness, early detection, and action.
If you have concerns, speak with your GP or specialist about the screening options available to you, including whether CT Colonography may be appropriate.
