Our Mission
Our mission is to inform and educate our community about all gynaecological cancers with the aim of increasing the survival rates of New Zealand women.
The National Plan for Gynaecological Services
'It Takes a Team' - Report to the Ministry of Health on a proposed national service improvement plan for gynaecological cancer services
In 2011, the Ministry of Health commissioned Sapere Research Group to develop The National Plan for Gynaecological Services (The Plan), in order to provide guidance to health service providers, funders, and policy makers on the most efficient and effective ways to deliver accessible and equitable high-quality care for New Zealand women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. The Plan was developed in close collaboration with the Sector including NZGCF. The final report was submitted to the Ministry in late 2011. Key findings included
- Gynaecological cancers make up approximately 10% of all cancers and of all cancer-related deaths in New Zealand
- In 2007, there were 899 gynaecological cancers registered and 407 women died of a gynaecological cancer
- Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in New Zealand followed by ovarian and cervical
- Cancer stage is an important determinant in survival rates. Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rates largely because women with ovarian cancer tend to be diagnosed at a later stage
- Gynaecological cancer rates generally increase with age
- Maori and Pasifika women have a higher age-standardised incidence of gynaecological cancers
- The gynaecological cancer patient’s journey is complex often requiring multiple episodes of care over a number of years
- Women generally have better outcomes if they are treated by a specialist gynae-oncologist and reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team
- A focus group of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer recommended
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that all women have access to a gynae-oncologist for surgery;
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a point of contact to provide continuity throughout the journey (e.g. nurse specialist);
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that there is increased awareness of gynaecological cancer, its symptoms, and best practice at all levels including consumers and providers
- Current challenges include building a sustainable workforce, ensuring equitable access to services, and data collection.
To read the full report including the recommendations made to the Ministry, please click here.
The NZGCF team
Achieve your personal fitness goals for 2012 while raising funds for a great cause!
If one of your New Year resolutions is to get fit this year, then having a specific goal or event to work towards is often the key to staying motivated and achieving your goal. To help with this, we have created the NZGCF Sports Calendar 2012 where you'll find links to many of the marathons, half marathons, and off-road running events taking place around the country in 2012.
Once you have decided to take the plunge and have secured a place in your chosen event, you might want to check out www.fundraiseonline.co.nz which provides an easy and effective way to fundraise for your chosen cause or charity. Just log on, set up an events page for you and your team, nominate 'NZ Gynaecological Cancer Foundation' as your chosen charity, and then let all your family and friends know - it's that simple!
To help you stay comfortable and spread the word during training and your event, we will soon be offering a range of NZGCF t-shirts & singlets, caps, and drink bottles in our online store. Keep an eye on our website or e-mail us for more information. Also keep an eye out for some great training tips from New Zealand triathlete and cervical cancer survivor, Shanel Cornille on our website and Facebook page over the coming months.
And last but not least, remember to let us know what event you and your team are doing, keep us in the loop as your training progresses (so we can provide lots of moral support!), and send us photos!
Here's to getting fit and making a difference in 2012!
The NZGCF Team
Cancer in New Zealand: a critical election issue
As part of its Election Manifesto 2011, CANGO calls on the next New Zealand government to take action to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand and to address inequalities relating to cancer diagnosis and treatment. To read the full Manifesto please click here.
New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation is a member of CANGO (Cancer Non-Governmental Organisations), an alliance of eight prominent New Zealand cancer charities – Cancer Society of New Zealand, Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa, Child Cancer Foundation, Hospice New Zealand, Leukaemia & Blood Foundation, New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
The group was formed in 2007 in an effort to increase collaboration among cancer charities. Chief Executives of member organisations meet quarterly to discuss key issues facing the sector; to meet and share information with representatives from the Ministry of Health, Cancer Control New Zealand, and others working in cancer-related areas; and to work together on specific initiatives that reflect the shared goal of all members to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer on New Zealand and New Zealanders.
 Wild Poppies Supports NZGCF
We are fortunate to be able to give away a fabulous bunch of flowers every month, as a result of support from Wild Poppies.
Please support them for supporting us, purchase from them when you next need flowers - www.wildpoppies.co.nz.
We need you to share your story!
Send us your story to become a Featured Woman in our Women's Gallery. All we need is a short story of your journey (approximately 250-300 words) and a recent photo. You will also receive a beautiful bunch of flowers from Wild Poppies.
To read Featured Woman stories, please click here, or to register, click here.
What's New?
Beyond Cancer with Yoga Therapy - 20 August 2012 |
 Beyond Cancer with Yoga Therapy from The Health Buddy.
See The Health Buddy website. |
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Getting Glamorous for Gynae - 06 August 2012 |
 Check out the Sunday Star Times coverage of our inaugural Gala Dinner held recently. A wonderful night was had by all!
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Zonta District 16 and NZGCF announce two-year partnership - 25 June 2012 |
 We are delighted to announce that after a rigorous selection process, Zonta District 16 has selected New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (NZGCF) as its District Project for 2012-14. Read more
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B is for Bloating (it is persistent and doesn't come and go)
E is for Eating (difficulty eating & feeling full more quickly)
A is for Abdominal (and pelvic pain you feel most days)
T is for Talking (tell your GP)
Click here to go to the Ovacome UK website to read more.
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