Southern Cross Healthcare (SCH) has partnered with Waitematā Endoscopy, The Rutherford Clinic, Southern Endoscopy, and Bowel Cancer New Zealand to raise awareness about bowel cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in New Zealand. According to a news release, this collaboration aims to promote early detection and treatment to save lives during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, with over eight people diagnosed each day. Despite being highly preventable and treatable, it remains the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the country. Consultant gastroenterologists Dr. Cameron Schauer and Dr. Teresa Chalmers-Watson are urging New Zealanders with symptoms or high-risk factors to get checked early.
Schauer, a gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist, stressed the importance of early detection. “I am seeing people every day who have a delayed diagnosis of bowel cancer and for 30% of them, by the time it is diagnosed, it has already spread from their bowel to other parts of the body. Bowel cancer is preventable and having a colonoscopy can reduce the risk by 90%,” he said.
Colonoscopy detects polyps, which, if removed early, can prevent cancer.
SCH recommends colonoscopy following a positive bowel screening test or when symptoms are present. A national screening programme is available for New Zealanders aged 60 to 74, but Schauer noted that 30% of diagnoses now occur in those under 60, emphasizing the importance of awareness across all ages.
“If you’re eligible for screening or you can access a colonoscopy, then get it done. Keep track of your bowel habits and seek medical attention early if you have symptoms,” Schauer said.
Southern Cross Healthcare and its partners have donated $20,000 to Bowel Cancer New Zealand to support nurse education and enhance awareness and early detection efforts.
Chalmers-Watson, a consultant gastroenterologist and clinical lead in the South Island’s National Bowel Screening Programme, stressed the importance of overcoming embarrassment and seeking early checks.
“Nine of 10 bowel cancers that are caught early are curable. Get checked early – anyone who has access should take it up. If we find it early it’s highly treatable,” she said.
Chalmers-Watson is also seeing younger patients with bowel cancer, highlighting the disease’s wide impact.
“We are seeing people who have very healthy lifestyles and younger people present with bowel cancer,” she said. Modifiable risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and high intake of red meat and processed foods. Non-modifiable factors include family history and age.
“Screening works, screening saves lives. Get checked for bowel cancer if you can, it’s treatable if we catch it early,” Chalmers-Watson said.
Bowel cancer symptoms to watch for:
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