News
November 09, 2025
Paddy Gower urges bowel screening after health scare
The TV host went in for a routine check, but got life-changing news.
**Paddy Gower urges bowel screening after health scare**
Popular television host Paddy Gower is encouraging New Zealanders to take bowel screening seriously after receiving a wake-up call during a recent routine check-up. Gower, known for his no-nonsense approach to journalism and his engaging on-screen presence, has shared his personal experience in hopes of raising awareness about the importance of early detection for bowel cancer.
While the specifics of Gower's health scare remain private, he emphasized the unexpected nature of the discovery. He explained that he had gone in for what he thought would be a standard, unremarkable check, but the results delivered life-changing news. The experience has clearly impacted him deeply, prompting him to become a vocal advocate for preventative healthcare measures.
"I thought I was fine," Gower stated in a recent interview. "That's the scary thing about bowel cancer. It can be silent, lurking in the background, and you might not know anything is wrong until it's too late." He is now urging all eligible New Zealanders to participate in the national bowel screening program.
The national bowel screening program is free for people aged 60 to 74 and involves completing a simple test at home. The test looks for traces of blood in your bowel motions, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer. If blood is detected, further investigation, such as a colonoscopy, is recommended.
Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand. However, it is also highly treatable if detected early. Screening can help find cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
Gower's decision to share his experience underscores the importance of destigmatizing conversations around bowel health. By speaking openly about his own scare, he hopes to encourage others to prioritize their health and participate in screening programs. He believes that early detection is key to saving lives and reducing the impact of this common cancer.
"Don't put it off," Gower urged. "It could be the most important thing you ever do for yourself and your family. A simple test could save your life."
Popular television host Paddy Gower is encouraging New Zealanders to take bowel screening seriously after receiving a wake-up call during a recent routine check-up. Gower, known for his no-nonsense approach to journalism and his engaging on-screen presence, has shared his personal experience in hopes of raising awareness about the importance of early detection for bowel cancer.
While the specifics of Gower's health scare remain private, he emphasized the unexpected nature of the discovery. He explained that he had gone in for what he thought would be a standard, unremarkable check, but the results delivered life-changing news. The experience has clearly impacted him deeply, prompting him to become a vocal advocate for preventative healthcare measures.
"I thought I was fine," Gower stated in a recent interview. "That's the scary thing about bowel cancer. It can be silent, lurking in the background, and you might not know anything is wrong until it's too late." He is now urging all eligible New Zealanders to participate in the national bowel screening program.
The national bowel screening program is free for people aged 60 to 74 and involves completing a simple test at home. The test looks for traces of blood in your bowel motions, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer. If blood is detected, further investigation, such as a colonoscopy, is recommended.
Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand. However, it is also highly treatable if detected early. Screening can help find cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
Gower's decision to share his experience underscores the importance of destigmatizing conversations around bowel health. By speaking openly about his own scare, he hopes to encourage others to prioritize their health and participate in screening programs. He believes that early detection is key to saving lives and reducing the impact of this common cancer.
"Don't put it off," Gower urged. "It could be the most important thing you ever do for yourself and your family. A simple test could save your life."
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Entertainment