New Zealanders overwhelmingly back evidence-based cancer policies - from prevention and screening to early detection, treatment and care - no matter which party they vote for, a new national survey has found.
The survey results from Te Rōpu Rangahau ō te Kāhui Matepukupuku (TRRKM), a collaboration between University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka cancer researchers and the Cancer Society of New Zealand - Te Kāhui Matepukupuku o Aotearoa, have been published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal.
The authors say the results demonstrate a clear public mandate for evidence-based cancer policy, but it's political action that's lacking.
Professor Louise Signal
Lead Director of TRRKM Professor Louise Signal says the election provides political parties the opportunity to commit to action on cancer, and voters the chance to vote accordingly.
Not only do the public want action on cancer, two-thirds of New Zealanders are willing to pay more tax for improved healthcare, especially when that tax is earmarked for health, according to the survey.
"The public knows that prevention is better than cure. The good news is that at least a third of all cancers can be prevented," Professor Signal says.
"The public want a range of policies that are lacking in Aotearoa New Zealand. They want the tobacco reforms reinstated, sugary drinks taxes, children protected from marketing for harmful products like alcohol and junk food, stricter alcohol laws, and significantly more sun safety action."
The survey of more than 1,600 people also revealed substantial public support for regulation of industry lobbying and commercial influence over policymaking, particularly restricting the alcohol and junk food industries from participation.
All these policies are currently used in countries similar to New Zealand, Professor Signal says.
"It is time for politicians to listen to the voice of New Zealanders. To get on and future proof the New Zealand health system from one of its biggest killers and its biggest costs, cancer."
Cancer Society Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs Rachael Neumann says New Zealanders have given the Government a clear mandate to invest more in cancer diagnosis, treatment and care.
Public support exceeded 90 per cent across early cancer detection, treatment and care policies regardless of voter intentions, the survey found.
Aotearoa New Zealand is facing growing challenges in cancer control as the population increases and ages, which is expected to drive a substantial rise in cancer cases and place significant pressure on the health system, Mrs Neumann says.
"At the same time, persistent inequities remain, with Māori, Pacific peoples and those living in deprived areas experiencing higher rates of cancer incidence, later diagnosis and poorer survival outcomes."
"These inequities are compounded by barriers to access, differences in exposure to risk factors, and workforce and system constraints."
"Together, an ageing population and entrenched inequities mean the demand for timely, equitable cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment will continue to intensify in the coming decades unless this action is taken."
The survey is funded by the Cancer Society, through TRRKM research programme grant.
"The research reveals New Zealanders want a better publicly-funded health system, one focused on preventing cancer, detecting it early and ensuring timely and high-quality care," Mrs Neumann says.
"This is something that we all agree on across the political spectrum.
"These are not seen as costs but investments that deliver lasting health, social, and economic benefits for New Zealand."
Publication:
Public support for cancer prevention, screening, treatment and care policies in Aotearoa New Zealand: a synthesis of evidence from a national survey
Te Rōpū Rangahau ō Te Kāhui Matepukupuku | Cancer Society Research Collaboration Nine-paper series
New Zealand Medical Journal, 2026 Aug 28, Vol 139 Issue 1641
