Cancer Society Chief Executive Nicola Coom says positive change is happening in cancer care in New Zealand and there is much to celebrate and momentum to build on.
Her words come on the back of this week’s announcement by Pharmac that, from October and November, two life-extending cancer drugs will be funded for people with advanced triple negative breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and kidney cancer.
This was the first funding decision following the Government’s June announcement of a funding boost of $604 million for medicines, including up to 26 new cancer treatments.
“Change is happening. The additional funding is making its way to families,” said Ms Coom. “This week’s announcement was a significant day for thousands of families who are impacted by cancer now and may be in the future. These medicines will save lives and extend lives. They will give people more time with their families and the additional burden of self-funding these drugs will be removed.
“Our congratulations to everyone who has advocated for this over many years. We also acknowledge the current government for prioritising the funding and are looking forward to future announcements.”
The Cancer Society has just held its 34th Daffodil Day fundraising appeal and the campaign message that “1 in 3 people will get cancer in their lifetime” was still forefront in Ms Coom’s mind.
“There is a huge need not only for our services but also for our advocacy on behalf of the ‘1 in 3’ and their whānau. We were humbled once again this Daffodil Day by the generosity of New Zealanders and the outpouring of support. While the increased rate of cancer diagnosis is concerning, there is a lot to take hope in – from advancements in cancer care, innovation in research and cancer prevention, and recent government investment in health. More than ever before we are observing patient groups, NGOs, public and private sectors work collaboratively to tackle cancer and this must continue as a way forward,” said Ms Coom.
In addition to the unprecedented investment in medicines offering a “significant step forward”, Ms Coom also listed the $18 million boost to the National Travel Assistance Scheme, the introduction of a faster cancer treatment target, construction of a new cancer radiation facility in Whangārei, and the expansion of breast cancer screening as wins to celebrate.
“We are also celebrating this week the one-year anniversary of the HPV self-test for cervical screening. Eighty per cent of women have opted for this test in its first year, proving it is the game-changer we knew it would be to help us eliminate this form of cancer. Together by combining cancer research, prevention and advocacy efforts, we can eliminate cervical cancer within our lifetime. We don’t get many of those opportunities so its important take action.
“We are ambitious for New Zealand and the key now is to build on this momentum to achieve better cancer outcomes for everyone.”
For more information, please contact
Maria De Cort | Senior Communications Advisor | Cancer Society of New Zealand
maria@cancer.org.nz
021 991 952