This qualitative study examined the experiences of 44 Māori cancer patients, survivors, and their whānau, in order to shed light on the causes of cancer inequalities for Māori. Participants’ views were collected in five hui (focus groups) and eight interviews in the Horowhenua, Manawatu, and Tairawhiti districts of New Zealand. Participants identified examples of cancer services that work for Māori, such as Māori health providers. They also identified positive and negative experiences with health professionals. The involvement of whānau in the cancer journey was viewed as highly significant as was a holistic approach to care. Suggested improvements to cancer services included better resourcing of Māori providers, cultural competence training for all health workers, the use of systems ‘navigators’, and the inclusion of whānau in the cancer control continuum.
