Position statements

Current

• Cancer prevention

Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks are no longer a looming public health crisis but a very real one. By working together and acting now, we can prevent obesity, a leading risk factor for some cancers.

Current

• Cancer Treatment

Breakthrough therapies and the New Zealand Early Access to Medicines Scheme

It is highly unusual for the Cancer Society to get involved in any national debate around the funding of particular cancer drugs. However, in the case of the new immunotherapies for melanoma, we have made an exception for reasons of equity, evidence and deep concerns about decision processes.

Current

• Cancer prevention

Diet and Cancer

Unhealthy diet and excess body weight (or Body Mass Index) are key risk factors for many cancers. These include oesophageal (food pipe), pancreatic, liver, bowel, kidney, endometrium (lining of the womb), and postmenopausal breast cancer.

Current

• Alcohol
• Cancer prevention

Alcohol and cancer

Drinking any amount of alcohol regularly, even low levels, can increase the risk of some cancers.

Current

Folate and Reducing Cancer Risk

Based on current evidence, the benefits of folic acid fortification for reducing the incidence of neural tube defects outweigh any potential increased risk of cancer. Therefore the Cancer Society of New Zealand and Cancer Council Australia are not opposed to fortification of foods with folic acid.