Getting your result

You will receive your test result within three weeks of returning your completed bowel screening kit.

You will be contacted with your result and told what this means for you. You may also receive a call from your doctor or a nurse.

Go to Understanding your results to find out more.

If you don’t receive your result within three weeks, please call the National Bowel Screening Programme on freephone 0800 924 432 or email info@bowelscreening.health.nz.

Having a colonoscopy

If your test result is positive, you will usually be referred for a follow-up test called a colonoscopy. This is a free test to check for polyps or cancers.

Polyps are small growths that may turn into cancer later. If they are found during colonoscopy, they will generally be removed then.

Go to Colonoscopy to find out more.

If bowel cancer is found

If you are found to have bowel cancer you will be referred to a specialist. The main treatment for bowel cancer is surgery. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be recommended.

People who are diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage have a much greater chance of being successfully treated. If the cancer is detected at a later, more advanced stage, it is harder to treat.

If you are eligible for publicly funded health care, treatment for bowel cancer through the public health system is free.