Most New Zealanders have been touched by cancer. If not personally, a relative friend or acquaintance will have been affected, because it is New Zealand's biggest killer.
Ministry of Health data found the disease accounted for nearly one third of all deaths recorded in 2015. Of the 31,796 deaths that year, cancer accounted for 9,615 of those.
The disease disproportionately kills men and Māori.
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is an independent charity and 100% community funded. Its unique combination of local programme delivery, community engagement and national influence enables everyone who cares about cancer to make the biggest possible difference.
The Cancer Society works across every area of every cancer:
conducting and funding world-class research that underpins their work in preventing cancer
supporting people as they navigate the cancer journey
advocating to ensure that governments take action on cancer
They are there not only for those touched by cancer today, but to prevent and manage cancer into the future. They support their communities with:
experienced cancer nurses to provide information and support
information on cancer and treatment issues given by cancer information nurses
emotional and psychological support through counselling, workshops and education groups, (including art therapy)
transport to treatment related appointments
accommodation for people having to travel away from home for cancer treatment
encouraging, organising, supporting and funding research within New Zealand into the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer
delivering health promotion programmes focusing on cancer prevention
leading advocacy across the cancer continuum
promoting education about cancer for health professionals and publicising progress made in research and treatment.
On Friday 30 August the Cancer Society will be undertaking its main fundraiser of the year – Daffodil Day. The Cancer Society receive no direct government funding, and all donations stay in the community they are raised in. This is your opportunity to support the wonderful work that the Cancer Society does. You can donate your time by helping as a collector on that day, or dig deep and pledge some financial support.
If you are interested in finding out more about what the Cancer Society does, and how else you can be involved. See www.cancernz.org.nz or contact our local Cancer Society office 298 8514, based at Shop 14 Kapiti Lights, Paraparaumu.
