Abstract
In the buildup to the 2023 general election, the televised leader’s debate gave a chance for the public to see the main parties explain their policies and inform voters on how they would approach issues. The leaders of the two main parties were asked about whether they would lower the bowel cancer screening age. Both Chrises (Hipkins and Luxon) stated they would match Australia for bowel cancer screening, which at that time would have seen the age lowered from 60 to 50, and to 45 for some people.