World Cancer Day today is a perfect time to take stock of our progress so far in delivering improved cancer prevention and care for New Zealanders, health minister Dr David Clark says.

'Cancer will likely affect every single one of us at some point, either directly or through family members and friends,” says David.

'New Zealanders deserve world class cancer care and while most people receive that, our standard of care is variable and we need to do more to ensure better outcomes for Māori and Pacific people.”

He says over the last two years they have made progress that they can build on for the future.

'In December, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and I delivered on our pre-election promise for better central leadership and coordination of cancer by establishing a Cancer Control Agency.

'It's fantastic to see how our new agency, led by Professor Diana Sarfarti, is working hard on its 100-day workplan to enable it to drive improvements in cancer control nationwide.

This week they have released their updated New Zealand Cancer Action Plan, David saying it better reflects the voices of people whose lives are affected by cancer.

'I want to thank the more than 380 individuals and organisations who shared their knowledge and experiences during public consultation late last year.

'I'm pleased their extensive feedback broadly supports the plan's direction and includes ways to strengthen our country's cancer control, which have been added to the plan.

'I'm also delighted that the $60m funding boost for PHARMAC last year is making a difference with five new cancer medicines funded since then.

'Today's publication of our finalised plan, alongside the work of the agency, PHARMAC and the wider health sector, is part of a determined ongoing team effort to improve cancer outcomes for New Zealanders which will continue to deliver for years to come,” he says.

World Cancer Day today is a perfect time to take stock of our progress so far in delivering improved cancer prevention and care for New Zealanders, health minister Dr David Clark says.

'Cancer will likely affect every single one of us at some point, either directly or through family members and friends,” says David.

'New Zealanders deserve world class cancer care and while most people receive that, our standard of care is variable and we need to do more to ensure better outcomes for Māori and Pacific people.”

He says over the last two years they have made progress that they can build on for the future.

'In December, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and I delivered on our pre-election promise for better central leadership and coordination of cancer by establishing a Cancer Control Agency.

'It's fantastic to see how our new agency, led by Professor Diana Sarfarti, is working hard on its 100-day workplan to enable it to drive improvements in cancer control nationwide.

This week they have released their updated New Zealand Cancer Action Plan, David saying it better reflects the voices of people whose lives are affected by cancer.

'I want to thank the more than 380 individuals and organisations who shared their knowledge and experiences during public consultation late last year.

'I'm pleased their extensive feedback broadly supports the plan's direction and includes ways to strengthen our country's cancer control, which have been added to the plan.

'I'm also delighted that the $60m funding boost for PHARMAC last year is making a difference with five new cancer medicines funded since then.

'Today's publication of our finalised plan, alongside the work of the agency, PHARMAC and the wider health sector, is part of a determined ongoing team effort to improve cancer outcomes for New Zealanders which will continue to deliver for years to come,” he says.