Bowel screening support

The Fono's bowel screening support services are dedicated to increasing the participation of Pacific peoples being screened for bowel cancer.

What is it

Early detection of bowel cancer can save lives. It's important because sometimes there are no warning signs that bowel cancer is developing. The Fono provides support services to free bowel screening test kits for men and women who fit our criteria. Using a test kit is quick and simple and done at the comfort of your home. We also provide support to colonsocopy appointments, if you need it. We run education sessions and we're often involved with community events and gatherings to promote and encourage bowel screening and raise awareness around bowel cancer. We also work closely with the Waitemata Hospital and the DHB Bowel Screening Units to provide further support for patients who need bowel screening support.

Who can access it

Our free bowel screening support is available to men and women from the Pacific community, aged 50-74 years old, who live in the Waitemata region. If you don't live in this area, we can provide referrals to other agencies to assist you in your local community.

How do we help?

We're here to make things easier for you. You choose the way you want to keep in contact with us; phone, video calls, or text messages. A coordinator will support you from the very first moment of contact to post-appointment care. We'll keep in regular contact with you throughout your journey, from organising test kits to be sent to you to supporting you through your colonoscopy appointment. We can even arrange transportation, interpreter services, or home visits from our coordinator if you need them. We also offer wrap-around support to you and your family from The Fono. We understand that navigating health care can be overwhelming, so we're here to connect you to the additional resources you need.