7 Sep 2019

Diana Sarfati - The future of cancer in New Zealand

From Saturday Morning, 8:35 am on 7 September 2019
Diana Sarfati

Diana Sarfati Photo: Otago University Wellington

An ageing and growing population means the number of New Zealanders diagnosed with cancer is predicted to double by 2040.  

This is just one of the challenges facing University of Otago epidemiologist Professor Diana Sarfati, the new interim National Director of Cancer Control.

Added to the list are survival rates that lag behind many other countries, increasing costs for cancer care and drugs, and a shameful gap in outcomes for vulnerable populations including Māori.

So what can be done? And what will the future of cancer prevention and care look like in New Zealand?