Govt Highlights Progress as Cancer Report Warns of Rising Future Diagnoses

The report, published by the Cancer Control Agency, provides an important snapshot of how New Zealand’s cancer system is performing and where further improvements are urgently needed.

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the release of The State of Cancer in New Zealand 2025, a comprehensive update detailing the country’s progress in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment over the past five years. The report, published by the Cancer Control Agency, provides an important snapshot of how New Zealand’s cancer system is performing and where further improvements are urgently needed.

Brown acknowledged the profound personal impact of cancer on New Zealanders. “Cancer touches almost every one of us—whether personally, through a family member, a friend, or someone in our wider community. That is why improving cancer care and outcomes remains one of this Government’s top priorities,” he said.

According to the report, long-term survival rates continue to rise as access to earlier diagnosis and more advanced treatments improves. Smoking rates have steadily declined across all ethnic groups, and screening programmes—particularly breast, cervical, and bowel screening—have expanded in reach and effectiveness. The report highlights improvements in access for Māori and Pacific peoples, though inequities remain a key focus area.

Brown outlined a wide-ranging suite of Government initiatives designed to build a stronger, more equitable cancer system nationwide. These include:

• Funding 33 world-class cancer medicines through a $604 million investment in Pharmac, expanding access to treatments that previously were unavailable in New Zealand.

• Extending breast cancer screening eligibility to include women aged 70–74, improving early detection for a group previously beyond the screening age limit.

• Lowering the bowel screening age, beginning with a shift to age 58, aligning more closely with Australia and enabling earlier identification of bowel cancer.

• Introducing a faster cancer treatment target to ensure patients move more rapidly from referral to specialist care.

• Investing in cancer treatment infrastructure, including new linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, upgraded radiation therapy units, and modernised oncology facilities across the regions.

• Expanding stem cell transplant services, reducing wait times and improving access to life-saving procedures.

• Launching New Zealand’s first cervical cancer elimination strategy, marking an ambitious nationwide effort to eradicate a preventable disease.

• Investing in the cancer workforce, ensuring there are enough skilled clinicians to meet rising demand.

“These actions reflect our commitment to delivering faster, fairer, and more effective cancer care for every New Zealander,” Brown said.

However, the report also contains a clear warning: the number of people diagnosed with cancer each year is projected to rise sharply—from more than 30,000 cases in 2025 to more than 45,000 by 2044. This increase reflects population growth, ageing, and improved detection, and will place increasing pressure on healthcare services.

Brown said the projections demonstrate why continued investment and system modernisation are essential. “Progress is being made, but we must be ready for the challenges ahead. The expected growth in diagnoses reinforces the need for a health system that is prepared, innovative, and focused on results.”

To support this preparation, the Cancer Control Agency will refresh the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019–2029. The updated plan—expected next year—will guide future priorities, workforce planning, prevention strategies, and service improvements to meet rising demand.

“We’re committed to building on the progress already achieved,” Brown said. “By continuing to invest in prevention, early detection, and cutting-edge treatment, we can ensure New Zealanders have access to world-class cancer care now and into the future.”