This review of recent evidence of cancer treatment and outcomes among Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders explored possible factors contributing to poorer survival in Māori. The papers reports good evidence for poorer survival with most types of cancer among Māori compared with other ethnic groups, particularly European New Zealanders. In particular, two recent studies show that Māori patients receive poorer quality treatment for cancers of the lung and colon, even after adjusting for patient factors. The paper’s authors suggest that these findings indicate that at a population level, the health-care system as a whole may disadvantage Indigenous patients. The authors’ analysis proposes a framework that directs attention beyond individual patient factors towards system-level factors affecting cancer care, including the location, resourcing and cultural focus of services. By recognising the strengths and addressing the weakness of cancer services, we have an opportunity to improve the quality and equity of cancer services and optimise cancer survival in Indigenous populations, conclude the authors.
