Cancer Society NZ — Position statements

Current

Bowel screening

New Zealand has one of the highest bowel cancer age-standardised incidence rates in the world, it is currently the second most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country

Current

Vitamin D and Sun Exposure in Pregnancy and Infancy

Infants should not be exposed to direct sunlight. For pregnant women and infants who are mobile, the same SunSmart messages apply as for the general public: sun protection is recommended between September and April, especially between 10am and 4pm.

Current

Cancer Screening

PSA testing for Prostate Cancer

In New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men.

Current

Skin Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Skin cancers are one of the most common cancers in NZ. Recognition of early signs and early seeking of medical advice are key factors in early detection, effective treatment and survival from skin cancer.

Current

Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure in New Zealand

For the general population (excluding pregnancy and infancy) sun protection is recommended between September and April, especially between 10am and 4pm. Between May and August some sun exposure is important. Sunbeds should always be avoided.

Current

Primary Prevention of Skin Cancer

Although skin cancers are a largely preventable group of diseases, they are Aotearoa/New Zealand’s most common type of cancer. The Cancer Society supports seven recommendations to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.

Past

E-cigarettes (vapes)

The Cancer Society supports proportionate regulation for e-cigarettes (vapes) to help smokers to quit smoking whilst safeguarding non-smokers from taking them up.

Current

End of Life Care

The Cancer Society acknowledges the diverse range of strongly-held personal and professional beliefs on euthanasia and assisted dying. There are varying views from spiritual, religious or cultural perspectives which may not be necessarily shared within groups or cultures.

Current

Breast Awareness

The National Screening Unit (NSU), the Cancer Society of New Zealand and The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommend all women to be ‘breast aware’. This joint consensus statement provides guidance for women on what breast changes to look for as part of general body awareness.

Current

Cancer Screening

Thermography and Breast Cancer

The National Screening Unit (NSU), the Cancer Society of New Zealand, The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and The New Zealand Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) do not support the use of thermography for breast cancer screening or a diagnostic tool.