Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New cancer think tank welcomed
Jackie Blue MP
National Party Associate Health
Spokeswoman
18 December 2007
New cancer think tank welcomed
National’s Associate Health spokesman Jackie Blue is welcoming the launch of the Cancer Standards Institute (CSI), a charitable trust with the aim of providing independent advice on cancer issues such as screening, treatment and research.
The members of CSI, all respected cancer experts, are calling on the Ministry of Health to withdraw the outdated prostate cancer screening guidelines.
“Without clear, accurate, independent information on this high profile and common cancer there continues to be confusion, which leads to a whole myriad of different clinical practices throughout the country.
“This new group is backing what National has been saying for the past two years.”
Dr Blue believes it is important that New Zealand has a standalone cancer ‘think tank’ which operates independently of the Government.
“If it had been in existence earlier, I’m sure it would have almost certainly reviewed the Herceptin trial data, prior to Pharmac backing an unproven nine-week regimen.
“I expect this organisation will become an influential voice on all important cancer issues.
“When they have something to say, the decision makers should take notice.”
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
NZ Government: Government Recommits To Equal Pay
Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter: Deputy Mayor ‘disgusted’ By Response To Georgina Beyer Sculpture
Te Pāti Māori: Māori Unemployment Rate Increases By More Than Four-Times National Rates
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
Koi Tu - The Centre for Informed Futures: If Not Journalists, Then Who?
FIRST Union: May Day, The Biggest Threat To NZ Workers In 2024 Is Our Government
