Lay summary
Inequities in colorectal cancer have been known for decades but little progress in addressing these has been made. With bowel screening now available and diagnoses happening at younger ages, this project will investigate how the health system may be adding to these inequities, and how to change that. Research will focus on four areas: screening, primary healthcare, diagnostic referral, and palliative care for people with advanced bowel cancer. As well as analysing data within each area, the team will look for practical, community-focused solutions by reviewing policies, studying what works overseas, and talking with Māori and Pacific communities and palliative care staff. The goal is to build strong evidence by using previously collected data, combined with a variety of analytical methods across the whole cancer journey so the health system can take real steps to close the inequitable gaps in colorectal cancer outcomes.