Source: Waikato District Health Board
Lauren James, Aroha Morgan (rear) Ellyn Proffit, Lydia Rickard (rear), Shelley Campbell, Nina Scott (rear) Aroha Yates-Smith, Bubsie McFarlane (rear) Salend Kumar (rear), Sarah Harihari, Janette Ngaheu, Wayne Borell (rear) Lucia Moosa.
The Midland Cancer Network region has the highest total Māori population in New Zealand. Māori are up to 20% more likely to get cancer than non-Māori. With the right information, support networks, early detection and treatment many cancers can be cured if they are found and treated in time.
This is where a new booklet Cancer Kōrero can help. Created as a resource for people, whānau and the community, it encourages kōrero (talk/conversation) around cancer.
The booklet was launched on Wednesday (28 October, 2018). It includes key facts, information on reducing your risks of cancer and the promotion of early detection for lung, breast, prostate, cervical, and bowel cancer.
‘The more we talk about it the MORE WE KNOW ABOUT IT’
The book was produced by the Midland Cancer Network with support from Aroha Yates (whose beautiful picture, taken by her son, graces the front cover). Midland Cancer Network gives special acknowledgement to Aroha for her guidance around Māori language and grammar, and her precious time given to complete this mahi (work).
The Midland Cancer Network team says research on health literacy has shown that the health care system is poorly comprehensible to a majority of Māori, and we all [every healthcare service] have a responsibility to change this. Providing patient information that is easy to understand, of good quality and contains consistent messaging is one way of doing this.
“But anyone can pick up this booklet and start the kōrero about cancer, whether they’re Māori or not,” they say.
Midland Cancer Network developed this book because:
- reducing the impact of cancer among Māori is a top health priority
- Midland has a Māori population of 26.5%, which is higher than the national average of 15.6%
- Māori have a higher cancer incidence (20% greater), higher mortality (80% greater) and Māori are more likely than non-Māori to have their cancer detected at a later stage of disease.
Midland Cancer Network’s Cancer Kōrero booklet has been modelled on a booklet developed by Nelson Marlborough DHB. Midland Cancer Network would like to acknowledge and thank N
L to R: Janette Ngaheu (Midland Cancer Network project manager), Aroha Yates-Smith, Nina Scott (Chair of Hei Pa Harakeke Cancer Network Māori Advisory Group), Lydia Rickard (Midland Cancer Network project manager).
elson Marlborough DHB, consumers, stakeholders, providers and everyone that was involved in the development of this resource.
Cancer Kōrero will be available from a number of primary care practices and all Midland district health boards.
Midland Cancer Network region refers to the area covered by four district health boards – Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty and Hauora Tairawhiti.
Visit www.midlandcancernetwork.org.nz for more information about the service.