COVID-19: National Cancer Screening Services Paused

The National Screening Unit has advised its screening providers nationwide that it is pausing all cancer screening services from 24th March to 20 April. 

This announcement applies to all bowel, breast and cancer screening programmes, and takes effect immediately.

Pausing non-urgent screening services will support health service providers to focus their efforts and resources on responding to those New Zealanders with immediate health needs. 

It will also help to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus among screening participants.

During this time there will be no new invitations sent out asking people to participate in screening, and all routine appointments will be cancelled. 

People who have recently had screening tests and have been identified as needing further urgent assessment will still be able to access healthcare through their health provider.  

We understand some people might be worried about the temporary suspension of screening services however it is important to know that it is a standard response for hospitals in an emergency situation to give priority to essential services, and other countries have made the same decision at this time. 

In the meantime, the National Screening Unit is providing information to support those who are directly affected by this cancellation on the Time to Screen website.