Cancer Society NZ — Position statements

Current

Alcohol

Alcohol and cancer

Drinking any amount of alcohol regularly, even low levels, can increase the risk of some cancers.

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Skin Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Skin cancers are one of the most common cancers in NZ. Recognition of early signs and early seeking of medical advice are key factors in early detection, effective treatment and survival from skin cancer.

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PSA testing for Prostate Cancer

In New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men.

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Diet and Cancer

Unhealthy diet and excess body weight (or Body Mass Index) are key risk factors for many cancers. These include oesophageal (food pipe), pancreatic, liver, bowel, kidney, endometrium (lining of the womb), and postmenopausal breast cancer.

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End of Life Care

The Cancer Society acknowledges the diverse range of strongly-held personal and professional beliefs on euthanasia and assisted dying. There are varying views from spiritual, religious or cultural perspectives which may not be necessarily shared within groups or cultures.

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Bowel (colorectal) Screening

New Zealand has one of the highest bowel cancer age-standardised incidence rates in the world; it is currently the second most diagnosed cancer in men and women (3158 in 2015) and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country (1243 in 2015).

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E-cigarettes

In New Zealand, cigarette smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease, with Māori and Pacific peoples disproportionately affected. New Zealand has a goal to become Smokefree by 2025, but modelling suggests we are not on track to achieve this goal.

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Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks are no longer a looming public health crisis but a very real one. By working together and acting now, we can prevent obesity, a leading risk factor for some cancers.

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Breakthrough therapies and the New Zealand Early Access to Medicines Scheme

It is highly unusual for the Cancer Society to get involved in any national debate around the funding of particular cancer drugs. However, in the case of the new immunotherapies for melanoma, we have made an exception for reasons of equity, evidence and deep concerns about decision processes.

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Breast Awareness

The National Screening Unit (NSU), the Cancer Society of New Zealand and The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommend all women to be ‘breast aware’. This joint consensus statement provides guidance for women on what breast changes to look for as part of general body awareness. If a woman not