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Our Te Rōpū Rangahau ō Te Kāhui Matepukupuku (TRRKM) research programme will carry out research that can support Cancer Society New Zealand’s (CSNZ) advocacy and hence contribute to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, improving cancer outcomes, and reducing cancer-related inequities across the cancer continuum.

TRRKM research for 2025–2030 will focus on cancer prevention (specifically, progressing smoke-free Aotearoa, reducing ultraviolet radiation, improving nutrition, reducing obesity and alcohol-related harm) and improving cancer early-detection, treatment, and supportive care. We will work in collaboration with CSNZ to prioritise research that is most useful for their advocacy, disseminate findings widely, and advocate for impactful cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and support.

Cancer awareness in Aotearoa New Zealand

This study is to measure and to monitor (over time) New Zealanders’ understanding of causal links between modifiable risk factors and behaviours and cancer using quantitative survey methodology.

Key researchers

Cancer map Aotearoa

This project will involve identification and mapping of available cancer-related data that can be used to support advocacy for improved local and national policy and health delivery (e.g. for cancer prevention, to address geographical and social inequities). This will extend and add to data that has already been mapped as part of an earlier skin cancer project.

Key researchers

Evaluating policy support for cancer control in Aotearoa New Zealand

This study will use surveys to measure and monitor (over time) New Zealanders’ support for proposed cancer prevention-related interventions and legislation that Government could use.

Key researchers

Monitoring tobacco industry interference

This research will monitor tobacco industry lobbying in relation to tobacco policy in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Key researchers

  • Professor Janet Hoek, Department of Public Health Wellington
  • Calvin Cochran, Research Fellow, Department of Public Health Wellington

Review of early diagnosis campaigns

This study will review existing research of early detection interventions to identify which interventions work, why interventions may or may not work, and in what contexts, how, and in what circumstances the interventions work/don’t work. The review will explore the mechanisms behind the interventions, identifying successful strategies and approaches for promoting early diagnosis, and understanding the types of messaging, outreach methods, target populations, and barriers or facilitators to success, the review will explore the mechanisms behind these interventions.

Key researcher

Routine monitoring of screening and treatment times

This study will utilise national datasets to produce reports compiling existing information on treatment times and uptake of screening and including, wherever possible, reporting for priority populations.

Key researchers

Understanding advocacy needs – Cancer survivor and whānau perspectives

This study will identify key gaps across the cancer continuum (e.g. prevention, early detection/screening, treatment/support services, and survivorship care) in Aotearoa New Zealand and explore the perspectives of cancer survivors and their whānau regarding the relative importance of addressing those gaps. This information can be used to inform advocacy priorities.

Key researchers

Past programme of research

The Cancer Society Research Collaboration aims to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand. Our earlier work focused on cancer prevention and advancing knowledge in six research themes.

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