New Zealand's systems and equity challenges
Cancer is the leading cause of death in New Zealand. The number of those affected is forecast to increase for the foreseeable future. Our cancer survival rates in New Zealand currently lag behind those of Australia, our most vulnerable populations continue to experience poorer outcomes from cancer than other New Zealanders and the costs of cancer care keep on increasing exponentially.
"Being right is not enough to achieve change. It requires head and heart, compassion, commitment and partnership to translate policy into action, and action into change."
Professor Chris Jackson and Professor Jason Gurney
Jackson CGCA, Gurney J. Achieving Seismic Change in Policy and Practice: A New Zealand Case Study. In: Giuliani M, Gospodarowicz MK, Brierley JD, Sullivan R, editors. Cancer Systems and Control for Health Professionals: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.; 2025.
Developing a vision for long-term cancer control
The C3 research group actively works with key stakeholders to develop a vision for long-term cancer control specific to the needs of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We co-hosted the landmark 'Cancer Care at a Crossroads' conference, 2019, with the Cancer Society of New Zealand. This event galvanised the sector and resulted in the development of a new National Cancer Plan.
Visit our Cancer Care at the Crossroads conference publications and presentations in OUR Archive
C3 team members were directly involved in the development of the national Cancer Action Plan 2019–2029, including securing the inclusion of a goal to achieve cancer equity for Māori by the year 2030. Team members are now involved at multiple levels of Te Aho o Te Kahu – Cancer Control Agency, including direct involvement with the agency’s current work.
Current and former members of the C3 team are also involved in multiple national-level committees and/or hold public service roles that allow our work to influence central decision-making around cancer control and service planning.
Influencing health service planning
Our research includes our examination of the impact of COVID-19 on cancer care and outcomes, projections of cancer incidence, and work in the context of post-operative mortality, and rheumatic heart disease: