Bowel cancer is the second-highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, second only to lung cancer. Bowel Cancer New Zealand said the incidence of bowel cancer in New Zealand is one of the highest in the world, with more than 1200 people dying from it each year. Bowel Cancer New Zealand said Bevacizumab (Avastin), which is a targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal (bowel) cancer, is not currently funded for this type of cancer. Another brand of the drug has been funded for conditions such as advanced ovarian cancer, the Pharmac website says. Photo / SuppliedAfter Robertson underwent an ultrasound, images showed “cloudy bits” on her liver, where she was eventually diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer that had spread to her liver.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 19, 2025 19:33 UTC