First steps taken in cancer control planning

Media Release

26 October 2001

First steps taken in cancer control planning

A new group set up to oversee the development of a cancer control strategy for New Zealand says it's delighted work is underway.

The Cancer Control Steering Group, involving the New Zealand Cancer Control Trust, the Ministry of Health and cancer experts, held its inaugural meeting in Wellington yesterday.

Chairman Dr Colin Tukuitonga said while a final strategy was still some way off, the Cancer Control Trust had already produced background papers that would provide a sound basis for further work.

"As well as the trust's reports, and other work already in existence, we have also agreed on how we expect to work together to produce a comprehensive cancer control strategy. We hope to have a first version available for consultation in the latter half of 2002."

Dr Tukuitonga said the strategy would cover primary prevention, screening and early diagnosis, treatment and symptom control, on-going rehabilitation and support and palliative care.

"We are not reinventing the wheel, but drawing together and building on a lot of work that has already been or is being done in cancer control.

"By providing a framework for the control of cancer in a systematic and co-ordinated way, a cancer control strategy will help to ensure careful planning, appropriate priorities and the best use of available resources."

The Ministry and the Trust have been keeping a close eye on developments in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, where national cancer control strategies have been introduced to reduce the impact of cancer in the community.

For more information contact: Anne-Marie Robinson, Media Advisor, ph: 04-496-2067 or 025-802 622 http://www.moh.govt.nz/media.html

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