One in four New Zealanders are still not aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer – despite it remaining one of the country’s deadliest cancers.
New insights from Bowel Cancer New Zealand show one in four New Zealanders (25%) cannot name a single symptom of bowel cancer without prompting, while only 23% say they feel well informed about bowel cancer symptoms, risk factors and prevention.
The findings also show awareness gaps among younger New Zealanders and some communities disproportionately affected by bowel cancer.
As Bowel Cancer Awareness Month gets underway, Bowel Cancer New Zealand is encouraging people to get to the bottom of it by learning the symptoms, recognising when something isn’t right, and acting early.
Peter Huskinson, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer New Zealand, says the findings reinforce why symptom awareness remains critical.
“Bowel cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when found early, with around 90% of cases curable,” he says.
“But far too many New Zealanders still don’t know what symptoms to look for or assume they’re too young to be at risk.”
While blood in the stool remains the symptom most commonly associated with bowel cancer, awareness of many other warning signs remains low.
Just 25% of New Zealanders spontaneously identified abdominal pain as a symptom, while only 18% mentioned a persistent change in bowel habits – despite it being one of the most common symptoms experienced by people diagnosed with bowel cancer. Awareness of symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue and bloating was even lower.
“Many bowel cancer symptoms can be easy to dismiss or attribute to something less serious,” says BCNZ Medical Advisor Dr Frank Frizelle.
“Persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained fatigue or weight loss should not be ignored. Recognising symptoms early and seeking medical assessment promptly can mean the difference between detecting a highly curable cancer and facing far more intensive treatment for advanced disease.”
The research also highlighted several barriers preventing people from seeking help if they notice possible symptoms.
Eighteen percent said they were unsure which symptoms warranted a check-up, while embarrassment discussing bowel symptoms remained another barrier.
“When bowel cancer is diagnosed later, treatment becomes more complex and outcomes are often poorer. Improving awareness and encouraging people to act on symptoms early is critical,” says Frizelle.
Bowel screening is offered every two years to eligible New Zealanders aged 58–74.
Also Read: https://www.newsviews.co.nz/bowel-cancer-if-youre-not-worried-you-should-be-warns-a-gp/
