Articles tagged with Melanoma
Government and Cancer Society Invest $2M to Expand SunSmart Skin Cancer Prevention Program
3 weeks ago | 184 viewsThe Government and the Cancer Society are jointly investing $2 million to expand the SunSmart programme, aiming to enhance national skin cancer prevention through education in schools, workplaces, and communities. New Zealand faces high rates of skin cancer, with thousands diagnosed annually and significant mortality, making prevention and early detection critical. The expanded initiative will include updated digital content, practical resources, and targeted support for outdoor workers, responding to widespread sunburn prevalence and the need for coordinated public health efforts.
Tags: Simeon Brown Cancer Society SunSmart Health New Zealand skin cancer melanoma cancer prevention New Zealand public education outdoor workersPharmac Proposes Widened Access to Immunotherapy for Advanced Melanoma Patients
3 months ago | 464 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown support Pharmac’s proposal to expand access to immunotherapy medicines nivolumab and ipilimumab for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma starting May 2026, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and reduce cancer recurrence. These medicines, used together before surgery, can enhance immune response, potentially reduce the need for further treatment, and save health resources by decreasing infusion hours and hospital visits. The government emphasizes faster access to effective cancer care, backed by significant investment in new medicines, while Pharmac seeks public and clinical feedback on the proposal before finalizing the decision.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Pharmac nivolumab ipilimumab melanoma New Zealand cancer treatment immunotherapy Melanoma New Zealand