Cancer is the leading cause of death in New
Zealand, causing nearly 1 in 3 deaths. The most common
forms of cancer in Canterbury are colorectal, prostate, lung,
breast and melanoma.
Some cancers are more likely to affect specific
population groups. Breast cancer is the most common cause of
cancer registration for New Zealand women, while for men it
is prostate cancer. Lung cancer is the most common cause
of cancer death overall.
Overall, age-standardised cancer incidence and death rates were
significantly higher for Māori than for non-Māori during 1997-2007,
and were also significantly higher for people in the most-deprived
quintile than for those in the least-deprived quintile. The
reasons for this are complex but are generally the result of the
wider determinants of health.
Reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand will
require a planned, systematic and co-ordinated approach, which
addresses prevention, early detection and treatment. The
Government's health policy allows for the expansion of cancer
control services to better address the inequalities affecting
certain demographic groups.
Read the full issue summary for cancer
[PDF].