Bowel health is something many of us avoid talking about but it’s a conversation we need to be having. In New Zealand, bowel cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death. Yet it’s also one of the most treatable, especially when found early.
Looking after your bowel health doesn’t have to be complicated. With tools like the Smith Biomed Bowel Screening Test, you can take a proactive step from the comfort of home.
Here’s why screening matters and how to start paying closer attention to your gut.
Why Bowel Cancer Often Goes Undetected
Bowel cancer often develops silently, with few obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time signs appear, it may already be advanced. Early-stage bowel cancer is more likely to respond to treatment and has a much higher survival rate.
That’s why screening before symptoms start is so important.
The Smith Biomed Bowel Screening Test detects hidden (occult) blood in your stool, which can be an early warning sign of potential bowel issues, including polyps or cancer.
Common Symptoms to Watch Out For
While bowel cancer can be symptomless early on, there are signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhoea or constipation lasting more than a few weeks)
- Blood in your stool (bright red or very dark)
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, bloating, or pain
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
If you experience any of these, it’s important to consult your doctor immediately. But even in the absence of symptoms, regular screening is key.
Who Should Be Screening and When?
In New Zealand, the national screening programme is currently offered to adults aged 60 to 74. However, some people may benefit from earlier screening particularly if you have:
- A family history of bowel cancer
- Personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- Ongoing digestive symptoms with no clear cause
The Smith Biomed Bowel Screening Test is suitable for adults wanting to monitor their bowel health between medical checkups, or before becoming eligible for the public programme.
How Home Screening Works
The test is clean, discreet, and easy to use. You simply collect a small stool sample using the included tools and apply it to the test cassette. Results are available within minutes, helping you decide whether further medical advice is needed.
It’s important to remember that this test does not diagnose cancer but it does help identify signs that warrant further investigation.
You can learn more about the Bowel Screening Test here
Supporting Bowel Health Every Day
Good bowel health starts with everyday habits:
- Eat a fibre-rich diet (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains)
- Stay well hydrated
- Be physically active
- Limit red and processed meat
- Don’t ignore persistent digestive symptoms
These steps support healthy digestion and reduce your risk of bowel issues. Combined with regular screening, they provide a strong foundation for long-term gut health.
Don’t wait for symptoms to take action.
A simple, private at-home test like the Smith Biomed Bowel Screening Test can provide peace of mind and a crucial early warning.
Small steps today can make a life-changing difference tomorrow.