Another scheme for young cancer patients also starts
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Wellington, May 12, 2017
Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman released today a new plan which will help further improve radiation oncology services around the country.
“While cancer is New Zealand’s leading cause of death, outcomes for people with cancer continue to improve. In 2011, 63 per cent of cancer patients survived five years after diagnosis, up from 57% in 1999. Kiwis are receiving better, faster cancer treatment and more support during their care as a result of the government’s $63 million faster cancer treatment programme,” he said.
Variations in delivery
“We know that there are variations in the delivery of radiation therapy across the country. While some variation is normal, there is room for improvement. The new National Radiation Oncology Plan 2017-2021 will help DHBs standardise the care they are providing to patients receiving radiation. The plan sets out a range of actions for public radiation oncology providers, the Ministry, regional cancer networks and other agencies to improve radiation oncology sector performance over the next four years,” he added.
Twelve linear accelerators have been approved since 2009. These machines are helping to deliver cancer patients with timely radiation therapy, though the treatment varies between DHBs from 28 to 44%
Oncology Plan
The National Radiation Oncology Plan 2017-2021 is guided by the New Zealand Cancer Plan 2015-2018: Better, Faster Cancer Care, the Cancer Health Information Strategy and the New Zealand Health Strategy.
It builds on the Radiation Oncology National Linear Accelerator and Workforce Plan, which was released in 2014 and was the country’s first dedicated national radiation oncology plan.
Both reports are available on the Ministry of Health website, www.health.govt.nz
Cancer Care for youth
Dr Coleman also launched today the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Network Standards of Care.
“The AYA Cancer Standards of Care are designed to improve outcomes and services for youth with cancer in New Zealand. The standards have a renewed focus on supporting adolescents and young adults battling cancer and engaging young people and their whanau in partnership of their care. The standards describe the level and quality of care that young people should expect from the time they are diagnosed to well beyond treatment. They cover all aspects of care and include hospital, primary care, non-governmental organisation and community support,” he said.
Global evidence
The AYA Cancer Standards of Care are based on national and international evidence and expert opinion and have been co-designed by young cancer survivors.
“I would like to recognise the work of the many people who have contributed to these standards of care and the wider network who are dedicated to supporting young people who are affected by cancer. Kiwis are receiving better, faster cancer treatment and more support during their care as a result of the Government’s $63 million faster cancer treatment programme, but it is important that we keep doing more,” Dr Coleman said.
The AYA Network was established in 2014 to improve outcomes and services for adolescents and young adults with cancer in New Zealand and consists of young people and their whanau, health professionals and support providers working with AYA’s with cancer.
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