Bowel Screening

It's free. It's easy. And you do the test at home.

If you are aged 60-74 years living in Kapiti, Porirua, orWellington and you are enrolled with a GP, you can expect an invitation to participate in the free National Bowel Screening Programme. 

If you are in that age group, please ensure your GP has your correct contact details.

When you receive your invitation around the time of your birthday, you don't need to do anything.  A bowel screening test kit will be sent to you around two to three weeks later.  It's easy to do yourself at home.

Here's why it's important to participate:

You are more likely to survive bowel cancer if it is found early.

You may be at increased risk if:

• You have a strong family history of bowel cancer (such as a close family member diagnosed before 55 years of age, or if two or more close family member of the same side of the family have had bowel cancer)
• You have known or suspected genetic bowel cancer syndrome
• You have had extensive inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis for more than 10 years

Download and read this document of Frequently Asked Questions about bowel screening

You can find out more about the National Bowel Screening Programme here: https://www.timetoscreen.nz/bowel-screening/

Happy birthday - did you receive your invitation?

Bowel screening invitations are sent out to coincide with your birthday.  Because CCDHB is new to the programme, we are staging a two-year roll out.  That means if you have a birth date with an even number you will receive your invitation in year 1.  If you have a birth date with an odd number, you will receive your invitation in year 2.

So, if you are in the eligible age group of 60-74 years old, and your birthday is July 18th you will get your invitation in 2021.  If your birthday is July 19th you will get your invitation in 2022.

But, if you turn 60 in the first year from April 2021 to March 2022 you will receive your invitation around the time of your birthday regardless of whether your birth date.is odd or even.  Turning 60 on July 19th 2021? Watch for your invitation letter coming in the post.

If you are worried or concerned, or have any questions, please call 0800 924 432

What to expect if you are referred for a colonoscopy 

If you have been referred for bowel screening colonoscopy by your GP, here's what you need to know.Download and read this document of what to expect before your screening colonoscopy