Bolstering primary care could improve New Zealand's poor cancer outcomes
Bolstering primary care could improve New Zealand's poor cancer outcomes
7 March 2021
Waikato University research has found barriers are stopping the early diagnosis of lung and bowel cancer - particularly for Maori.
Lung cancer mortality rates are up to four times higher for Maori, and they're less likely to receive a colonoscopy than non-Maori.
Professor of population health Ross Lawrenson says our access to primary care is worse than other developed countries.
He says we have a shortage of general practitioners, especially in rural areas, and are reliant on overseas doctors to fill those roles.
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