Position statements
Alcohol and Cancer
Published: 2020
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Alcohol is a known cause of seven cancers. Avoiding or reducing alcohol is the best way to prevent these cancers, experienced more by Māori. This position statement recommends policies to address alcohol availability, affordability and marketing to equitably reduce alcohol consumption and related cancers in Aotearoa, NZ.
Read our position statement here.
Skin Cancer Screening and Early Detection
Published: 2020
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Skin cancers are one of the most common cancers in NZ. Recognition of early signs and early seeking of medical advice are key factors in early detection, effective treatment and survival from skin cancer. This position statement provides recommendations on self-examination, screening, and aids to clinical diagnosis of melanoma, for clinicians and the general public.
Read our position statement here.
PSA testing for prostate cancer
Published: 2020
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary:
Men without prostate symptoms should talk to their doctor and use a decision tool such as kupe.net.nz before deciding whether to have a PSA test. Making a decision to have a PSA test or not is different for every man. We urge men with prostate symptoms to have these checked by their doctor so that they can get the right investigations and treatment if they need it. Māori and Pacific men are more likely to die from prostate cancer and every effort should be made to identify those with a family history of the disease, to investigate symptoms and to follow-up to ensure equitable surveillance and/or care if cancer is detected. This position statement is for people seeking information about PSA testing.
Read our position statement here.
Diet and Cancer
Published: 2020
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary:
Unhealthy diet and excess body weight are known risks for some cancers. Making healthy food affordable and easier to access would help protect whānau against diet-related cancers. This position statement recommends policies to address the inequitable rates of diet-related cancer in Aotearoa, NZ.
Read our position statement here.
End of Life Care
Published: 2020
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Summary:
The decision to confirm the Cancer Society’s position statement was prompted by the introduction of the End of Life Choice Bill in 2017. At the time of publication, the Bill is due to go to referendum at the 2020 General Election. While the Cancer Society remains neutral regarding the End of Life Choice Bill, the organisation is clear that a more critical focus should be better support for people nearing the end of life and their whānau.
Read our position statement here.
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 provides bowel screening recommendations for the general public and decision-makers.
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
Published: 2016
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Joint statement: NZ Dental Association, Cancer Society, Heart Foundation, Hāpai Te Hauora et al.
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.
Breast Awareness
Published: 2013
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Joint statement: The National Screening Unit (NSU), the Cancer Society of New Zealand and The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation
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.
Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure in New Zealand
Published: 2012
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Joint statement: Ministry of Health, Cancer Society, ACC et al.
Summary: For the general population (excluding pregnancy and infancy) sun protection is recommended between September and April, especially between 10am and 4pm. Between May and August some sun exposure is important. Sunbeds should always be avoided.
People with a history of skin cancer, skin damage from the sun, or who are taking medicines that affect photosensitivity should use sun protection all year round. Sun protection should also be used throughout the year when at high altitudes or near highly reflective surfaces such as snow or water. Most people do not need to take Vitamin D supplements.
Read our position statement here.
Companion Statement on Vitamin D & Sun Exposure in Pregnancy and Infancy in NZ
Published: 2013
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
Joint statement: Ministry of Health, Cancer Society, ACC et al.
Summary: Infants should not be exposed to direct sunlight. For pregnant women and infants who are mobile, the same sun safety messages apply as for the general public: sun protection is recommended between September and April, especially between 10am and 4pm. Between May and August some sun exposure is important. Sunbeds should always be avoided.
Read our position statement here.
Folate and Reducing Cancer Risk
Published: 2011
Resource status: Current
This resource has been developed, reviewed or revised within the last 5 years.
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.
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.
Joint statement: The National Screening Unit (NSU), the Cancer Society of New Zealand, The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the Royal Australian and NZ College of Radiologists
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.