Position statements
Bowel (colorectal) screening
Published: 2019
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary: The Cancer Society welcomes the introduction of the National Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP) and views this as a major milestone in cancer control in New Zealand. Population-based bowel screening will save lives and is cost-effective. This position statement includes information for adults about bowel screening.
Read our position statement here.
E-cigarettes (vaping)
Published: 2018
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary: The Cancer Society supports proportionate regulation for e-cigarettes (vapes) to help smokers to quit smoking whilst safeguarding non-smokers from taking them up. This statement provides the position of the Cancer Society on e-cigarette regulation and policy.
Read our position statement here.
Sugary drinks (joint statement)
Published: 2016
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary: Sugary drinks are no longer a looming public health crisis but a very real one. By working together and acting now, we can prevent obesity, a leading risk factor for some cancers. This joint consensus statement provides recommended policies for reducing sugary drink-related harms and guidance on reducing sugar intake.
Read our position statement here.
Breakthrough therapies and the introduction of a New Zealand Early Access to Medicines Scheme
Published: 2016
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary: The Cancer Society urges the establishment of an Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) in New Zealand because of concerns around equity and the current decision-making processes. This statement was developed in response to the national debate around new immunotherapies for melanoma
Read our position statement here.
Alcohol and Cancer Risk
Published: 2014
Resource status: Currently undergoing review (2019)
Summary: Alcohol is a known risk factor for cancer, therefore for cancer prevention it’s best not to drink alcohol. This position statement provides information on alcohol and cancer risk and recommended policies for reducing alcohol-related harms.
Read our position statement here.
Breast Awareness
Published: 2013
Resource status: Current
Summary: The National Screening Unit (NSU), the Cancer Society of New Zealand and The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommend all women to be ‘breast aware’. This joint consensus statement provides guidance for women on what breast changes to look for as part of general body awareness. If a woman notices a change in her breast, she should see her family doctor without delay.
Read our position statement here.
Folate and Reducing Cancer Risk
Published: 2011
Resource status: Currently under review
Summary: Based on current evidence, the benefits of folic acid fortification for reducing the incidence of neural tube defects outweigh any potential increased risk of cancer. Therefore the Cancer Society of New Zealand and Cancer Council Australia are not opposed to mandatory fortification of foods with folic acid. However careful monitoring of emerging evidence on any adverse effects of folic acid fortification, particularly cancer incidence, is required.
Read our position statement here.
PSA testing for prostate cancer
Published: 2011
Resource status: Currently under review
Read our position statement here.
Screening and early detection of skin cancer
Published: 2010
Resource status: Currently under review
Read our position statement here.
Thermography as a breast cancer screening or diagnostic tool
Published: 2010
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary: The National Screening Unit (NSU), the Cancer Society of New Zealand, The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and The New Zealand Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) do not support the use of thermography as a breast cancer screening or diagnostic tool as there is insufficient evidence to do so.
Read our position statement here.
Guidance on Overweight, Obesity and Cancer Risk
Published: 2009
Resource status: Currently under review
Read our position statement here.
Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure in New Zealand
Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure in New Zealand
Companion Statement on Vitamin D & Sun Exposure in Pregnancy and Infancy in NZ
Companion Statement on Vitamin D & Sun Exposure in Pregnancy and Infancy in NZ