Government rejected health advice to lower bowel cancer screening age

Friday 14 March 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Sat 15 Mar 2025, 8:47am

In this story Labour Party, Simeon Brown

Health officials advised that lowering the bowel cancer screening age for Māori and Pasifika people could save more lives. However, Health Minister Simeon Brown opted for a universal screening age instead. The government plans to use targeted campaigns to increase screening rates among Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities.

How they headlined it

16h

Fri 3:15pm4:50pmSat 8:47am

1. NZ HeraldFri 14 Mar 2025, 3:15pm

   Government went against health advice to lower bowel cancer screening age for Māori, Pacific (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via The PostFri 14 Mar 2025, 4:50pm

   Health ministry’s bowel screening advice included an option for Māori (opens in new tab)

   • Simeon Brown rejected officials’ advice to have lower bowel screening age for Māori, Pasifika (opens in new tab) Sat 15 Mar 2025, 8:47am