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Childhood cancer incidence & survival in Aotearoa, New Zealand 2010-2019

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From Māori Health Review Issue 106
Authors:
  • Pugh G et al.
Summary:

While childhood cancer incidence and survival rates in New Zealand remain comparable with other high-income countries, 5-year survival is lower in Māori and Pacific peoples compared with nonMāori. This was the finding of a study involving 1522 children aged <15 years, diagnosed with cancer between 2010 and 2019. The age-standardised incidence of cancer was 169.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 157.0-181.2) per million per year, and the overall 5-year survival rate was 85.6% (95% CI 83.7-87.3). When analysed according to ethnicity, 5-year survival rate was 80.9% (95% CI 76.5-84.6) for Māori, 82.6% (95% CI 75.6-87.7) for Pacific peoples and 87.8% (95% CI 85.6-89.7 for non-Māori. Differences in survival were most marked among children aged 1-14 years at diagnosis in both adjusted and unadjusted models.

Comment:
The authors call for further research to “understand the survival differences” but I wonder if we already know enough about causes (differential exposure to the wider determinants of wellbeing including poverty, differences in access to and quality of care through health systems for tamariki and tai tamariki Māori) and should now focus on solutions. Some evidence-based and best-practice examples – more Māori doctors and health workers, cutting tobacco and vaping exposure, eliminating child poverty.
Reference: Cancer Epidemiol. 2023;86:102433.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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