Screening at 75 and beyond isn't about following a fixed programme - it's about making thoughtful, personalised choices that reflect your health, your history, and what matters most to you. This page outlines the options that may still be relevant at this stage, so you can have that conversation with your primary healthcare practitioner with confidence.
Please note: These are imaging-based pathways available within our private radiology setting. They are in addition to, and do not replace other screening programmes offered through Health New Zealand.
Screening options
If you have an elevated PSA result or other indicators flagged by your doctor, an MRI of the prostate can be a really valuable next step - even at this stage of life.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is measured through a simple blood test. Elevated levels can point towards cancer, but can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like inflammation or an enlarged prostate - which is where MRI comes in. It provides a detailed, radiation-free picture of the prostate that helps doctors understand what's actually going on, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary biopsies and guiding any further investigation to exactly the right area.
If you've had an elevated PSA result and are wondering about next steps, it's worth asking your doctor whether an MRI prostate is appropriate for you.
CT Colonography remains one of the best tools available for assessing the bowel, though at this stage of life it's best considered in the context of your overall health and in discussion with your doctor about whether it's the right fit for you.
When it is appropriate, CT Colonography is a safe, effective, and considerably more comfortable alternative to traditional colonoscopy - with no sedation required, a shorter procedure, and a faster recovery. In New Zealand, it also offers a practical advantage: shorter waiting times compared to conventional colonoscopy, meaning you can access bowel screening without unnecessary delay.
It's also worth staying aware of how your body feels day to day. Things worth mentioning to your doctor include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, ongoing abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or unusual tiredness.
If any of these feel familiar, your first step is a conversation with your GP or specialist. They can guide next steps and refer you to ARG Te Tai Tokerau if imaging is appropriate.
CT Colonography is a fast, accurate, and less invasive alternative to colonoscopy. See the comparison below for more information.
If you are a current or former smoker, annual low-dose CT (LDCT) may be worth considering up to the age of 80.
LDCT is a quick, non-invasive scan that can detect lung cancer at an early stage - before symptoms develop, and when treatment options tend to be at their broadest. It uses less radiation than a standard CT and requires no injections or sedation.
For those with a smoking history, it offers a proactive and straightforward way to keep a closer eye on lung health. If lung screening sounds right for you, your first step is a conversation with your GP - ask about a referral to ARG Te Tai Tokerau Radiology.
You may have heard that WB-MR is able to ‘check for everything’ and find disease early. While it can be used for screening or early detection in some situations it is not a complete test for all diseases, and it's important to understand its limitations.
Currently there is no evidence to demonstrate significant improvement to your health outcomes using whole‑body MRI as a screening tool. It can also identify incidental or low‑risk findings that may lead to unnecessary anxiety and follow‑up tests. In addition to this, not all diseases are detectable on whole‑body MRI - particularly in the early stages - which can offer you false reassurance.
Whole-body MRI may be appropriate:
- As part of specialist-led care or surveillance
- In high-risk genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (inherited TP53 loss)
- For specific medical reasons, such as inflammatory or systemic disease
We recommend screening that is targeted, and evidence based, matched to your own risk profile, and using imaging that’s known to improve outcomes (such as bowel, lung and the other screening options defined above).
If you believe a whole-body MRI may be appropriate for you, please discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and suitability of the test with your doctor and arrange a referral to book your appointment with us.