LFNZ was absolutely gobsmacked to be informed the RFP for immunotherapy treatment for lung cancer had been put on hold by Pharmac. This is another blow for patients with lung cancer, who have no time to wait. Click to view the letter from Pharmac – 2020-04-20 Sarah Fitt letter to Philip Hope re RFP update […]
Pharmac urged to fund treatments for lung cancer
Just prior to the lockdown, Lung Foundation NZ, CEO, Philip Hope, met with Sarah Fitt (CEO) and Steve Maharey (Chair), of Pharmac, concerning the ongoing delay to fund lung cancer treatments which is causing a (preventable) humanitarian crisis. It is unacceptable, 30 patients are dying prematurely every week in NZ, when treatments could be available […]
Comparing Lung Cancer Treatment Options between, NZ and Australia versus European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Guidelines
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealanders have become more aware how our healthcare compares with other countries. Comparing, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Options between New Zealand, Australia and Europe, highlights just how far behind NZ is and why lung cancer patients die prematurely. It is disgraceful, that NZ funds just a third of the […]
Tribute to Kate Hodges, Lung Cancer Patient Ambassador
Me te aroha tino nui atu (with deepest sympathy) We are deeply affected and grieving, because our dear friend, lung cancer patient ambassador, Kate Hodges (50), a devoted wife and mother, died on Wednesday, 1st April, the result of advanced lung cancer. Kate had moved to receive respite care at hospice, the same day as […]
Submission to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill
LFNZ is strongly in favour of resourcing programmes that increase complete smoking cessation, rather than encouraging people who smoke to switch their nicotine addiction. The scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of vaping (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems or ENDS) as a smoking cessation aid is still being debated, this is partly due to the diversity of […]
A study of lung cancer shows a trend of higher lung cancer rates in women NOT related to smoking.
A study of lung cancer in younger adults (
Questions for Pharmac as lung cancer patients continue to die prematurely
We have written to the Health Select Committee, further to our petition, urging that lung cancer be declared a national health priority and for the three remaining treatments we recommended last March be funded in 1st line for lung Cancer. Key facts – – Lung cancer patients suffer premature death in New Zealand, because they […]
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Submission for the Inquiry into health inequities for Maori
Lung Foundation New Zealand, filed a submission for the inquiry into health inequities for Maori, which has been led by the Maori Affairs Committee. LFNZ presented to the committee on Monday 4th November and answered questions pertaining to its submission. We hope this inquiry will help NZ take the bold steps ahead that will eliminate […]
Comparison of cancer registration and mortality rates
These infographics highlight WHY lung cancer MUST be declared a national health priority. Reference – Cancer patterns in New Zealand. Source: New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019-2029.
