Articles tagged with Screening

New Zealand Advances Cancer Care with New Report and Enhanced Screening Programs

1 month ago | 262 views

Health Minister Simeon Brown has highlighted progress in cancer control over the past five years, including reduced smoking rates, improved screening, and better long-term survival, as detailed in The State of Cancer in New Zealand 2025 report. The Government is implementing initiatives such as expanding screening programs, investing $604 million in cancer medicines, upgrading treatment infrastructure, and launching New Zealand’s first cervical cancer elimination strategy to enhance cancer care. Despite these advances, cancer diagnoses are expected to rise significantly by 2044, prompting a refreshed Cancer Action Plan to prepare the health system for future challenges.

Tags: Simeon Brown Cancer Control Agency Pharmac New Zealand Cancer Action Plan LINAC Breast Screening Stem Cell Transplant Cervical Cancer Health Minister

New Breast Screening Site Opens in Waikanae for Women on Kāpiti Coast

3 months ago | 431 views

A new fixed breast screening site has opened in Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast, providing women with easier access to mammograms closer to home. The purpose-built facility offers a more comfortable and spacious environment than the previous mobile unit, with upgraded equipment and IT systems. Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg emphasize the importance of early detection through screening, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the effectiveness of mammograms in improving survival rates for women with breast cancer.

Tags: Simeon Brown Nicola Grigg Breast screening Kāpiti Coast Women Health Minister Women’s Minister Mammograms Breast cancer Screening.

New Zealand Expands Free Breast Screening to Women Aged 70-74: Improving Early Detection and Saving Lives

3 months ago | 391 views

The nationwide breast screening age extension is progressing, with women aged 70 and 74 now eligible for free screening, marking the first step in a four-year rollout to include women aged 71 to 73 in subsequent years. The initiative aims to provide around 130,000 more women with screening every two years, allowing for early detection of breast cancer and improved survival rates. The extension, part of the Government's 100-Day Plan, is supported by increased staffing, upgraded equipment, and a new digital platform to enhance accessibility and efficiency in breast screening services.

Tags: Simeon Brown Nicola Grigg Health Minister Women’s Minister Breast cancer New Zealand Mammograms Health New Zealand Screening Early detection

New Zealand to Lower Bowel Screening Age to 58, Saving Lives and Preventing Cancer

4 months ago | 434 views

The starting age for free bowel screening will be lowered from 60 to 58 in Northland, Auckland, and the South Island, with the rest of the North Island to follow in March 2026, as part of the government's commitment to reducing bowel cancer deaths. This change will make thousands more people eligible for lifesaving testing, potentially preventing 771 bowel cancers and saving 566 lives over 25 years. The introduction of the FIT for Symptomatic pathway, along with increased colonoscopy capacity and investment in screening initiatives, aims to improve early detection, reduce wait times, and ultimately save lives.

Tags: Simeon Brown Health Minister bowel screening New Zealand Australia colonoscopy FIT for Symptomatic cancer screening age Erasmus University