From Te Aho O Te Kahu - The Cancer Control Agency
The Agency is pleased to share the refreshed New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2026–2029 Te Mahere mō te Mate Pukupuku o Aotearoa 2026–2029.
“Cancer continues to place a significant and growing burden on Aotearoa New Zealand. More than 30,000 people are diagnosed each year, with this number expected to increase significantly in the coming decades as the population ages.
While survival rates have improved, inequities in access and outcomes persist across different communities. This Plan sets a shared, system-wide direction for the next three years, with a strong focus on improving outcomes and ensuring high-quality, equitable cancer care for all New Zealanders.
The refreshed Plan will continue to support the sector to work collectively towards:
fewer cancers through strengthened prevention and risk reduction
earlier detection and improved screening participation
timely and equitable access to diagnosis and treatment
improved survival and quality of life across the cancer pathway
more consistent and modern cancer care nationwide
equitable outcomes for all.
These priorities are supported by actions across all aspects of cancer control, from prevention and screening through to treatment, survivorship, and palliative care.
A coordinated system approach
The Plan emphasises the importance of a coordinated, system-wide response. It aligns planning and investment decisions across the sector, supporting consistent delivery and enabling ongoing monitoring of progress.
Delivering on this Plan for New Zealanders will require ongoing collaboration across the cancer sector, including government agencies, health providers, NGOs, and communities.”
Why this matters to our community
1. It recognises that cancer care doesn't end when treatment finishes
For many people with head and neck cancer, the biggest challenges begin after surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Difficulties with swallowing, speech, eating, dry mouth, dental care, fatigue, lymphoedema, mental health and returning to work can continue for years.
If the Action Plan strengthens supportive care and rehabilitation, this supports many of the issues your Trust has been advocating for over the past few years.
2. It places greater emphasis on equitable access
People living in Northland and other rural communities often face:
long travel distances
delayed diagnosis
fewer specialist services
difficulty accessing rehabilitation
financial hardship
A national commitment to reducing these inequities benefits your community directly. Equity remains a core principle of New Zealand's cancer strategy.
3. It supports person and whānau-centred care
Head and neck cancer affects communication, appearance and relationships.
A good cancer plan should recognise that patients need:
information
emotional support
whānau involvement
peer support
coordinated care
This aligns closely with the work your Trust already provides through support groups, welcome packs, webinars and online communities.
4. It reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary care
People with head and neck cancer often need coordinated care from:
surgeons
radiation oncologists
speech language therapists
dietitians
dentists
psychologists
physiotherapists
social workers
Strong multidisciplinary care usually leads to better outcomes.
5. Data and quality improvement
Better collection of cancer outcome data can help identify where people with head and neck cancer are missing out.
This is important because head and neck cancers are relatively uncommon and their unique needs can sometimes be overlooked.
Where to from here?
We need to continue to focus on:
Where is the national survivorship strategy specifically for head and neck cancer?
How will long-term rehabilitation be funded?
Who is responsible for coordinating survivorship care?
What commitments are there to improve access to dental care after treatment?
How will speech, swallowing and nutrition services be improved?
What support will be available for carers and whānau?
How will rural patients receive equitable care?
Where is the recognition of peer support organisations like the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust?
These are all issues your Trust has consistently raised with the Minister of Health, Te Aho o Te Kahu, and Health New Zealand.