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Cancer support
Information about New Zealand’s most common cancers, and organisations that can help people affected by cancer. Read more
Information about the Ministry’s work in specific health and disability programmes, projects, regulation and other areas
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View the full A-ZThe Ministry leads a national work programme which provides a strategic focus for cancer control, and for system-wide improvements across the spectrum of cancer services.
Cancer is a major health issue for New Zealanders. One in three New Zealanders will have some experience of cancer, either personally or through a relative or friend.
Cancer is the country’s leading cause of death (29.8 percent) and a major cause of hospitalisation.
In 2008 more than 20,300 people were diagnosed with cancer in New Zealand and 8566 people died from the disease. In that year, prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer, followed by colorectal and breast cancer. Lung cancer was the greatest cause of cancer death.
Reducing the burden of cancer in our community is one of the Government’s priority areas.
New Zealand has developed a Cancer Control Strategy, released in August 2003, which sets principles and goals to guide existing and future actions to control cancer. The New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy Action Plan 2005-2010 describes in detail how the objectives of the Strategy will be achieved.
Since 2008, the Ministry of Health has led a systematic and co-ordinated approach to cancer control through a national work programme involving District Health Boards (DHBs) and regional cancer networks. The national programme provides a strategic focus for cancer control and for system-wide improvements across cancer services.
28 Feb 2012: Guidance on Surveillance for People at Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer
12 Oct 2011: Bowel screening pilot begins in Waitemata and resources have been developed for people taking part.
12 Oct 2011: The Price of Cancer: The public price of registered cancer in New Zealand
Cancer Programme
Sector Capability and Implementation
Ministry of Health
PO Box 5013
Wellington
Information about New Zealand’s most common cancers, and organisations that can help people affected by cancer. Read more
Page last updated: 02 October 2011
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© Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora, 2012
