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Welcome to PinkRibbon New Zealand

You’re not alone. This page shares key facts about common female cancers in New Zealand, survival stats, health initiatives, and trusted support organisations. Our mission is to ensure every woman has access to awareness, early detection, and compassionate care.

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Cancer statistics
& survival rates

Breast Cancer
ASIR: 96.5 per 100,000.
ASMR: 18.3 per 100,000.
5-year survival: ~92.3%.
Cervical Cancer
ASIR: 6.0 per 100,000.
ASMR: 2.0 per 100,000.
5-year survival: ~75.6%.
Ovarian Cancer
ASIR: 7.5 per 100,000.
ASMR: 5.0 per 100,000.
5-year survival: ~36%.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
ASIR: 19.3 per 100,000.
ASMR: 3.0 per 100,000.
5-year survival: Up to 90% when detected early.

### Systemic Challenges

Ethnic Disparities: Maori and Pacific women face higher incidence and mortality due to late-stage diagnoses and barriers to care.
Geographic Barriers: Rural and remote areas can face delays in diagnosis and access to specialist services.
Socioeconomic Factors: Transportation, time off work, and health literacy challenges may hinder timely care.

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Learn more

Recent research
& Initiatives

  • Recent Research

    Healthier Lives – He Oranga Hauora: Collaborative research program aiming to reduce health inequities, including cancer prevention and treatment strategies tailored for Maori and Pasifika communities.
    HPV Self-Sampling Kits: Initiatives to boost cervical screening rates, especially in remote regions, by enabling women to collect their own samples.
    Precision Medicine: Research into tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) for early detection and monitoring of cancers to enable personalized treatments.

    Learn more

Support organizations

  • Support Organisations

    Breast Cancer Foundation NZ: Provides education, patient support, and funds research to improve outcomes. breastcancerfoundation.org.nz
    Cancer Society of New Zealand: Offers support groups, information, advocacy, and local services for all cancer types. cancer.org.nz
    Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ: Raises awareness, funds research, and provides support to ovarian cancer patients. ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz
    Look Good Feel Better: Free programs to improve the confidence and well-being of people undergoing cancer treatment. lookgoodfeelbetter.org.nz
    Sweet Louise: Provides practical, emotional, and social support to individuals living with incurable breast cancer. sweetlouise.org.nz

Accessing cancer screening and treatment

Where to get screened

These services are part of the national screening program “Prolamvano” (meaning “I Prevent”)

Learn more

  • **Where to Get Screened**

    New Zealand offers three national, publicly funded screening programs:
    Breast Cancer: Free mammograms every two years for women aged 45-69 through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
    Cervical Cancer: Women aged 25-69 encouraged to have cervical screening every five years.
    Bowel Cancer: Adults aged 60-74 receive free screening kits by mail every two years.

    **Appointment Needed?**

    Yes, for breast and cervical screening.
    Bowel screening is via home testing kit mailed to eligible participants.

    **What to Bring:**

    National Health Index (NHI) number
    Photo ID
    Any previous medical records

    **Hotline Numbers:**

    BreastScreen Aotearoa: 0800 270 200
    National Cervical Screening Programme: 0800 729 729
    National Bowel Screening Programme: 0800 924 432

    Learn more
Support is nearby

Hotline numbers

0800 270 200
National Cervical Screening Programme: 0800 729 729

Where to get treatment

  • Where to Go

    Public Hospitals: Most have oncology departments providing multidisciplinary care.

    **Specialised Cancer Centres:**

    Auckland City Hospital
    Christchurch Hospital

    **Government Coverage:**

    Public healthcare system covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care.
    Co-payments may apply, based on income and exemption status.

Financial support

  •

    **Government Schemes:**

    Health insurance covers most treatment costs with co-payments capped by a hardship exemption system based on income.

    **Additional Support:**

    Hospital social services can help patients apply for financial aid.
    Private insurance may offer further coverage.
    Patients should speak with social workers or their insurers for details.

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