Simeon Brown defends rollout of breast cancer screening with 370 women seen – full implementation not until 2029
'To only have screened a fraction of a percent of the eligible women is a broken promise and shows how incapable this Government is of delivering health services for New Zealanders,' she said.
Labour health spokewoman Ayesha Verrall during the Health select committee hearing, Parliament, Wellington, 03 December, 2024. NZME photograph by Mark Mitchell
Brown said eligibility was being brought online progressively to avoid overwhelming the system.
The Nelson-Marlborough region was the first to deliver the new scheme last October and the nationwide rollout will start in the same month this year.
Brown said the programme had begun with women aged 70 and 74 (who had not been screened in the past two years) and did not yet include women aged 71 to 73. This was to target people who had not recently had a screening while ensuring the workforce was not overwhelmed by a large cohort all at once.
'It will be progressively extended to people between 70 and 74 as the rollout expands,' he said.
'The number who are eligible is growing as the rollout is taking place.'
Simeon Brown Minister of Health gives a speech and answers questions regarding Health Reform at MinterEllisonRuddWatts offices in downtown Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau. NZME photograph by Alex Burton 07 March 2025
Brown said there were an estimated 1600 women aged 70 or 74 in the Nelson-Marlborough region.
He said that up until May, screenings were only being 'offered'. A new computer system means eligible women are being contacted directly to come forward for a screening.
'We've seen a much greater uptake since then. This is about making sure the systems are in place ahead of the national rollout that begins in October,' Brown said.
He said expanding the reach of the scheme would follow a similar pattern and would not be completed out until October 2029 because it was important to 'manage demand on the system'.
'There will be further information announced later this year,' he said.
Verrall said the phased rollout would mean some people missing out.
'This is a broken promise. Women understood screening would be promised at the election. It now turns out many of those women will never be able to access the screening they were promised,' she said.
Verrall, who was Health Minister in the last Government, said Labour had not campaigned on increasing the screening age because officials had told her it would be 'very challenging because of staffing constraints on screening'.
'Nonetheless, the National Party did not change its position – now they are letting women down,' she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
3 hours ago
- Scoop
New Survey Reveals Major Gaps In Awareness Of Bowel Cancer Symptoms
One in four New Zealanders can't yet spontaneously name a single symptom of bowel cancer – and even the most common red flags are flying under the radar. New research from Bowel Cancer New Zealand reveals a critical gap in public awareness of the country's second-deadliest cancer, with one in four adults unable to name a single symptom of bowel cancer without prompting. That figure jumps to 41% among under-30s, despite rising rates of bowel cancer in younger Kiwis[i]. The nationally representative survey of more than 1,250 adults – the first major study into bowel cancer awareness in New Zealand – also found that just one in five people (21%) feel well informed about bowel cancer. Even among those aged 60 and over, who have reached the eligibility age for screening, nearly three-quarters (72%) said they don't feel well informed. 'Bowel cancer is the second-highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, but it shouldn't be,' says Peter Huskinson, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ. 'It's beatable and treatable if caught early. Awareness is the first step toward prevention, but right now, too many Kiwis are in the dark,' he says. Symptom blind spots a cause for concern While blood in your poo was the most commonly-recalled symptom, it was named by just 40% of people without prompting. One in five (21%) spontaneously mentioned abdominal pain as a potential warning sign, however just 14% spontaneously mentioned a change in bowel habits, despite it being just as common a symptom as blood in the stool in people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fewer than one in ten New Zealanders spontaneously identified symptoms such as bleeding from the bottom (9%), unexplained weight loss (9%) or fatigue (just 5%). Even when prompted, many people failed to clearly connect these symptoms to bowel cancer risk. 'Symptoms like fatigue, weight loss or bowel habit changes can be easy to ignore or attribute to something else – but they could be a warning sign,' says Sue Crengle, GP and Bowel Cancer NZ Medical Advisor. 'Knowing what to look for, and seeing your GP if something's not right, is critical.' Cost and uncertainty keeping Kiwis with symptoms from the GP The survey also revealed several key barriers stopping or delaying people from seeing their doctor if they notice or were concerned about potential symptoms. Symptom uncertainty was one of the most commonly cited, with 26% unsure about symptoms and whether they needed a check-up and 23% unsure about severity of symptoms and whether they warranted a doctor's visit. Cost was also a key barrier to seeing a doctor, cited by 22% of respondents – rising to one in three among under-45s. This trend was consistent across incomes and ethnicities. 'It's deeply concerning that cost could stop someone from getting checked for bowel cancer symptoms,' says Crengle. 'We need to make it easier, not harder, for people to act early – that means better awareness, and more affordable access to primary care. A further 13% said embarrassment or discomfort discussing bowel issues would put them off seeking help. People under 45 were also the least likely to act. Fewer than 60% said they'd be 'very likely' to see a doctor if they noticed symptoms, compared to more than 80% of those aged 60+. Bowel Cancer NZ ambassador Dean Barker, diagnosed at age 46, says recognising symptoms and acting early made all the difference. While training with his America's Cup team in the US, he noticed blood in his stool. After a couple of weeks of hoping the problem was going to go away, Dean saw a doctor – a decision that led to early diagnosis and ultimately successful treatment. 'This research shows there is still work to be done when it comes to recognising the signs of bowel cancer and acting on it,' says Barker. 'Don't sit on your symptoms. Know what to look for and if something doesn't feel right, don't tough it out or put if off – get it checked.' Screening: The best-kept secret in cancer prevention Despite its life-saving potential, many New Zealanders remain unaware that bowel screening can prevent cancer, not just detect it. Only 11% of those not recently exposed to Bowel Cancer NZ messaging knew this. Among those who had recently seen or heard from the charity, spontaneous awareness for this as a way of reducing the risk for bowel cancer more than doubled to 26%. Media exposure also significantly boosted knowledge. 'That free test in your mailbox doesn't just detect cancer - it can stop it before it starts,' says Huskinson. 'Don't leave it in a drawer. Put it by the loo and get it done.' David Downs knows the value of early screening. At 54, he was at an age doctors agree screening is needed, but below the Government's eligibility age of 58. Having survived other cancer, he opted to purchase a test privately due to past concerns. Two weeks later, results flagged an elevated risk. A follow-up colonoscopy found 10 pre-cancerous polyps. 'Had I waited another six years until I was eligible, I could have had serious issues,' says Downs. His story highlights why lowering the national screening age is so critical – not everyone can afford to wait, or to pay. When screening isn't an option, symptom awareness and action are even more critical More than 3,300 Kiwis are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, and 1,200 will die from it. 'That's a tragedy – because we know that an early diagnosis saves lives,' Huskinson says. 'With screening currently limited to those aged 58 and over, symptom awareness remains our strongest line of defence. Acting early, before symptoms become severe, can mean the difference between a treatable diagnosis at the GP and a late-stage emergency presentation.' Far too many New Zealanders are being diagnosed in emergency departments – often when the cancer is more advanced and harder to treat. In New Zealand, more than one in four bowel cancer cases (26%) are detected this way, compared to 18% in the UK[ii]. The picture is even worse for Māori and Pacific peoples. Within New Zealand, 35% of Māori and 44% of Pacific peoples are diagnosed in emergency settings, compared to 28% of Asian people and 25% of New Zealand European and other ethnicities. 'Everyone in Aotearoa cares about health and wants to stay cancer free, but first people need to know what to look out for. That's why we are committed to making symptom awareness part of the national conversation. If something doesn't feel right, don't wait. Talk to your GP. No one ever died of embarrassment – but they do die of bowel cancer,' concludes Huskinson. Don't sit on your symptoms Fill out Bowel Cancer NZ's simple symptom checker at If you notice any of the signs below, don't ignore them: Bleeding from the bottom or in your poo A persistent change in bowel habits Ongoing, periodic, or severe abdominal pain Unexplained weight loss or fatigue A lump or swelling in the abdomen Notes: [i] BMC Cancer. 2024;24(1):456. Waddell O et al. 'The incidence of early onset colorectal cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand' [ii] National Bowel Cancer Audit (NBOCA). Annual Report 2021. Available at: and Bowel Cancer Quality Improvement Report. Auckland DHB and Health Quality & Safety Commission New Zealand, March 2019.
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Scoop
More International Doctors To Be Fast-Tracked
Minister of Health The Government has welcomed the announcement by the Medical Council of New Zealand that will see doctors from Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia added to the Comparable Health System pathway, which will streamline the registration process and help strengthen New Zealand's frontline health workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 'This is a practical step that will help us get more doctors into hospitals and clinics across the country more quickly,' Mr Brown says. 'New Zealand is in an international contest to train, attract, and retain skilled medical professionals. The addition of Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia to the list of Comparable Health Systems will make it easier for qualified doctors from these countries to live and work in New Zealand.' The Comparable Health System pathway enables international medical graduates from certain countries to fast-track their registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, provided their qualifications and training meet recognised standards. With this latest decision, there are now 29 countries on the list, following the inclusion of Japan and South Korea earlier this year in February 'New Zealand has long benefited from the skills and expertise of international medical professionals. They play a vital role in supporting our domestically trained workforce and ensuring patients can access timely, quality healthcare,' Mr Brown says. 'This builds on other initiatives the Government has to boost New Zealand's health workforce. Earlier this year I announced a two-year training programme to support up to 100 additional overseas-trained doctors into New Zealand's primary care workforce. 'Over 180 expressions of interest were received for this programme, exceeding the number of places available. This strong response shows that there is untapped potential in New Zealand. Overseas trained doctors are eager to work where they are most needed, and this Government is opening the door for them to do so. 'Through our record $16.68 billion investment across three Budgets, we are making sure our health system is properly resourced to meet the growing demands placed on it. That funding is already delivering results, with record funding for general practice to increase capacity, upgraded urgent care services across the country, and a new 24/7 digital health service. This is how we are putting patients first. 'The Medical Council's announcement adds to the body of work the Government is undertaking to rebuild our health system around the needs of patients, so that all New Zealanders can receive the timely, quality healthcare they need.' Note: Chile, Croatia, and Luxembourg join 26 other countries that New Zealand recognises as having a comparable health system: Australia Austria Belgium Canada Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Iceland Israel Italy Japan Norway Portugal Republic of Ireland Republic of Korea (South Korea) Singapore Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands United Kingdom United States of America
NZ Herald
8 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Simeon Brown defends rollout of breast cancer screening with 370 women seen – full implementation not until 2029
She said the fact the nationwide rollout would not be complete until 2029 was a 'broken promise'. 'To only have screened a fraction of a percent of the eligible women is a broken promise and shows how incapable this Government is of delivering health services for New Zealanders,' she said. Labour health spokewoman Ayesha Verrall during the Health select committee hearing, Parliament, Wellington, 03 December, 2024. NZME photograph by Mark Mitchell Brown said eligibility was being brought online progressively to avoid overwhelming the system. The Nelson-Marlborough region was the first to deliver the new scheme last October and the nationwide rollout will start in the same month this year. Brown said the programme had begun with women aged 70 and 74 (who had not been screened in the past two years) and did not yet include women aged 71 to 73. This was to target people who had not recently had a screening while ensuring the workforce was not overwhelmed by a large cohort all at once. 'It will be progressively extended to people between 70 and 74 as the rollout expands,' he said. 'The number who are eligible is growing as the rollout is taking place.' Simeon Brown Minister of Health gives a speech and answers questions regarding Health Reform at MinterEllisonRuddWatts offices in downtown Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau. NZME photograph by Alex Burton 07 March 2025 Brown said there were an estimated 1600 women aged 70 or 74 in the Nelson-Marlborough region. He said that up until May, screenings were only being 'offered'. A new computer system means eligible women are being contacted directly to come forward for a screening. 'We've seen a much greater uptake since then. This is about making sure the systems are in place ahead of the national rollout that begins in October,' Brown said. He said expanding the reach of the scheme would follow a similar pattern and would not be completed out until October 2029 because it was important to 'manage demand on the system'. 'There will be further information announced later this year,' he said. Verrall said the phased rollout would mean some people missing out. 'This is a broken promise. Women understood screening would be promised at the election. It now turns out many of those women will never be able to access the screening they were promised,' she said. Verrall, who was Health Minister in the last Government, said Labour had not campaigned on increasing the screening age because officials had told her it would be 'very challenging because of staffing constraints on screening'. 'Nonetheless, the National Party did not change its position – now they are letting women down,' she said.
