Trans Tasman gap in rangatahi cancer survival rate

Photo: Getty Images.

The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Network says a 5 per cent gap between New Zealand and Australian survival rates for young people with cancer shows there is room for improvement.

Every year, 190 young New Zealanders aged 12 to 24 years are diagnosed with cancer, with around 30 dying each year of the disease.

Network clinical lead Heidi Watson says survival rates overall have increased, but inequities persist for Māori and Pasifika young people.

The network’s new five-year action plan calls for more targeted and accessible care for all rangatahi regardless of where they live or their ethnicity.

She says a clear pathway to care would increase survival rates.

Follow us on &

Copyright © 2021, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com

RELATED NEWS

Māori authorities told to step into policy debates Busting out poi for app launch E rere tonu te puehu