Bowel cancer: Taupō woman says diagnosis massively impacted her life

New Zealand’s Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that the eligibility age for the national bowel screening programme will drop from 58 to 56 starting in September. This move is part of a phased approach to eventually match Australia’s screening age of 45, a transition that will grant more than 200,000 additional New Zealanders access to screening, according to government statements.

Donna Manukonga, a Taupō woman now in remission, is sharing her experience to highlight the importance of early detection. Manukonga was diagnosed with Stage 3B bowel cancer in March 2024 after experiencing a “significant bleed” and stomach cramps while on holiday in Rarotonga in January 2024.

Manukonga underwent surgery at Tauranga’s Grace Hospital in April 2024, where surgeons removed 90cm of her large bowel and several lymph nodes. Following complications that required a two-week stay at Tauranga Hospital, she underwent six months of chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from spreading to other organs.

Did You Know? According to Health Minister Simeon Brown, reducing the screening age to 56 is the “next milestone” in a strategy that will expand access to over 200,000 more New Zealanders beginning in September.

Why is the bowel screening age being lowered?

Minister Simeon Brown stated in a May media statement that the government is committed to matching Australia’s screening age but must ensure the health system has the capacity for follow-up care. The “phased approach” is intended to build the necessary workforce and infrastructure to support the programme safely.

Manukonga noted that while the shift to 56 is positive, the current screening age “wouldn’t have got me anywhere.” She encourages others to act immediately if they notice symptoms, regardless of their age.

The government is also rolling out the FIT for Symptomatic pathway, a free test for people of any age exhibiting symptoms. According to Brown, this rollout should be complete by the end of September and may help reduce unnecessary colonoscopies to free up specialist capacity.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the government’s decision to prioritize “capacity” through a phased rollout suggests a critical tension between expanding preventative access and the immediate availability of surgical and diagnostic resources. By implementing the FIT for Symptomatic pathway first, the state may be attempting to filter high-risk cases to prevent the system from being overwhelmed as the eligibility age drops.

How can people access screening early?

Beyond the national programme, private options have emerged. True Proactive, a Tauranga-based company co-founded by Dr. Clive Price and Rich Porter, launched at-home bowel screening kits in March.

Bowel cancer free screening age lowered to 58 announced by Health Minister Simeon Brown | RNZ

Porter reported that the majority of their customers are aged 40 to 55. Out of 2,300 tests ordered, 24 positive results were detected. These kits cost $190 for a single test or $340 for a two-pack, plus shipping.

What are the warning signs of bowel cancer?

Peter Huskinson, chief executive of Bowel Cancer New Zealand, stated that bowel cancer is curable in about 90% of cases when found early. He emphasized that monitoring symptoms is critical for those not yet eligible for national screening.

According to Bowel Cancer New Zealand, key symptoms include:

Bleeding from the bottom or in stool
A persistent change in bowel habits
Ongoing or severe abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
A lump or swelling in the abdomen

Manukonga described the lasting impact of her treatment, including peripheral neuropathy. She described the sensation of cold water on her feet as “burning” and “like little electrical impulses” due to nerve damage.

What happens next for screening access?

The government may continue to lower the screening age in further steps until it reaches the age of 45. This progression is likely to depend on the successful completion of the FIT for Symptomatic pathway rollout by late September.

Healthcare providers may see an increase in referrals as the 56-year-old cohort enters the system, which could lead to a higher volume of early-stage detections if the infrastructure supports the influx.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new eligibility age for New Zealand’s bowel screening?
The age is being lowered from 58 to 56, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown.

What is the FIT for Symptomatic pathway?
It is a free test available to people of any age who have bowel cancer symptoms, intended to help clinicians prioritize urgent cases.

What are the costs of private at-home screening kits from True Proactive?
A single kit costs $190 plus shipping, and a two-pack costs $340 plus shipping.

How do you stay proactive about your digestive health?