Funding of Cancer Research Uneven
Publication Date: 14 February 2007
Funding of Cancer Research Uneven
14 February 2007
At least $100 million was committed to cancer research in New Zealand in 2003-2005. Most of this, nearly 80 percent, was invested in research relating to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the first comprehensive stocktake of cancer control research in New Zealand shows.
The stocktake, carried out by the Cancer Control Council of New Zealand, shows research investment is spread unevenly across the different areas of cancer control and the goals of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy.
The findings of the stocktake are contained in the report, Developing a Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Research in New Zealand.
“It can be difficult determining what is, and what is not, cancer control research. However, the stark differences in research funding allocation across the cancer control spectrum are real,” Council spokesman Professor John Gavin said.
While research relating to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer accounted for nearly 80 percent of the investment, research into areas such as improving the quality of life for people with cancer and improving the delivery of cancer services accounted for just 1 per cent each.
Research relating to cancer prevention and research relating to the early detection of cancer each accounted for about 10 percent.
“For the first time we have a snapshot of who is funding cancer control research, how much is funded and how this funding is distributed across the spectrum of cancer control. What we now need to establish is whether this is the appropriate distribution and whether the overall investment in cancer research is sufficient,” Professor Gavin said.
The Cancer Control Council has set up a research working group to lead the development of a strategic plan for cancer control research. The five-year rolling plan will be developed in partnership with the research community and will identify both the appropriate distribution of research investment and encourage researchers and research funding agencies to engage in research in priority areas.
Both the Cancer Control Strategy and Action Plan 2005-2010 highlight the need for New Zealand to take a strategic approach to cancer control research.
“Research has a critical role to play in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of cancer control — from primary prevention right through to palliative care,” Professor Gavin said.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Professor John Gavin
Cancer Control Council Spokesman
DDI: 09-534 5254; Mob: 027 622 1838
Anna Smith
Senior Communications Advisor, Cancer Control Council
DDI: 04-496 2288; Mob: 027 476 8273
Summary of stocktake findings
Research investment 2003-2005 in relation to Cancer Control Strategy goals
| Goal 1: Prevention | $10.3m (11%) |
| Goal 2: Early detection | $9.67m (10%) |
| Goal 3: Diagnosis and treatment | $73.64m (77%) |
| Goal 4: Quality of life | $1.06m (1%) |
| Goal 5: Service delivery | $1.1m (1%) |
| Total investment in research 2003-2005 | $95.2 million (The stocktake identified a further $7.05 million of investment that could not be incorporated in the overall analysis because of a lack of specific information. However, it was added to the overall total, taking total investment to more than $100 million.) |
Source of research investment
| Government | 70% |
| Non-government | 23% |
| Pharmaceutical industry | 6% |
Category of research
| Biomedical | 77% |
| Clinical | 16% |
| Health services | 5% |
| Public health | 2% |
Questions and answers
What is cancer control?
Cancer control is an organised approach to reducing the burden of cancer through prevention, screening and early detection, treatment, support and rehabilitation, palliative care, and surveillance and research.
What is the Cancer Control Council of New Zealand?
The Cancer Control Council is the independent group charged with making sure the Cancer Control Strategy is turned into action. The Council is appointed by and provides strategic advice directly to the Minister of Health.
What are the Cancer Control Strategy and Action Plan?
The Cancer Control Strategy is designed to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand and the inequalities that surround it. The Action Plan 2005-2010 contains specific actions that must be taken to meet the objectives of the Strategy during its first five years, the results that need to be achieved and the key stakeholders involved. District Health Boards must report on these cancer control-related activities in their annual district plans. The Cancer Control Council monitors and reviews progress made in achieving the goals of the Cancer Control Strategy and the specific actions in the Action Plan.
