New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019–2029

Cancer is the leading cause of death in New Zealand. Each year, around 23,000 people are diagnosed with cancer and 10,000 die from cancer.

The New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019-2029 (the plan) provides a pathway to improve cancer outcomes for all New Zealanders. On 1 December 2019, the Government launched the Cancer Control Agency to lead the implementation of this plan.

The plan sets out the four main goals required over the next 10 years to ensure better cancer outcomes:

• New Zealanders have a system that delivers consistent and modern cancer care
• New Zealanders experience equitable cancer outcomes
• New Zealanders have fewer cancers
• New Zealanders have better cancer survival, supportive care and end-of-life care.

The plan has a strong focus on achieving equity of outcomes and contributing to wellness for all; particularly Māori and Pacific peoples. Equity recognises different people with different levels of advantage require different approaches and resources to get equitable health outcomes.

Improving cancer outcomes is a vital part of lifting overall health and wellbeing. All New Zealanders should have access to quality cancer care regardless of where they live, or who they are. This is also one of the key focus areas relates specifically to improving the wellbeing of all New Zealanders. The plan is guided by four overarching principles to achieve these outcomes:

• Equity-lead
• Knowledge driven
• Outcomes focused
• Person and whānau centred.