World Cancer Day: Faster Treatment, New Medicines Mark Major Gains in Care

“Cancer affects every New Zealander. Thousands of people are diagnosed each year, and almost every family is touched in some way,” Mr Brown said.

World Cancer Day is an opportunity to recognise the scale of cancer’s impact in New Zealand—and to highlight major advances being made to improve care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Cancer affects every New Zealander. Thousands of people are diagnosed each year, and almost every family is touched in some way,” Mr Brown said. “Today we acknowledge patients, families, clinicians and communities—and reaffirm that patients remain at the heart of every decision we make.”

Focus on Earlier Detection and Faster Care

Over the past two years, the Government has prioritised earlier diagnosis and faster access to treatment, recognising that timeliness is one of the most critical factors in improving cancer outcomes.

Key reforms include the introduction of the Faster Cancer Treatment target, designed to ensure patients receive specialist assessment and treatment sooner, reducing anxiety and improving survival outcomes.

Screening programmes have also been expanded to catch cancers earlier, when treatment is most effective and less invasive.

Bringing Cancer Care Closer to Home

A major focus has been reducing the burden on patients and families by delivering care closer to where people live.

The Taranaki Cancer Centre, opened late last year, is already transforming access to radiation oncology services in the region. Patients who once had to travel to Palmerston North for weeks at a time can now be treated locally.

Since December, 460 radiation treatments have been delivered at the centre, covering cancers such as lung, prostate, breast and gynaecological cancers.

“Being able to receive treatment close to home reduces stress, travel costs and time away from family, while improving overall patient wellbeing,” Mr Brown said.

Record Investment in Modern Medicines

Access to modern, effective treatments has been another cornerstone of reform.

Through a $604 million investment in Pharmac, the Government has funded 33 new cancer medicines, expanding treatment options and ensuring New Zealanders can benefit from the latest advances in cancer care.

“These medicines are changing lives, giving patients better outcomes and more hope,” Mr Brown said.

Strengthening Screening and Prevention

Significant steps have also been taken to strengthen cancer prevention and early detection:

• Breast screening expanded to women aged 70–74, enabling thousands more women to access early diagnosis

• Bowel screening age progressively lowered, with 58 set as the first step to align with Australia

• Work commenced on New Zealand’s first Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy, aiming to drastically reduce future cases

Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer mortality and long-term treatment costs.

Investing in Infrastructure and Workforce

To support growing demand, the Government has invested in critical infrastructure and people, including:

• New LINAC machines and upgraded treatment facilities

• Expanded stem cell transplant services to reduce delays

• Increased support for the cancer workforce, ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care

The Cancer Action Plan (2019–2029) has also been refreshed to ensure the system is positioned to meet future challenges.

Patients at the Centre

“These actions are about improving real experiences for people living with cancer—shorter wait times, better access, and fairer outcomes no matter where you live,” Mr Brown said.

“On World Cancer Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building on this progress and delivering faster, fairer and more effective cancer care for all New Zealanders.”