Public Health Initiative Assignment

Health issue

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and critical health challenges worldwide including in New Zealand (Wilkinson & Gathani, 2022). This disease is characterized by abnormal growth of breast cells that leads to the formation of tumors and if this remains undiagnosed, it can spread throughout the body and can lead to consequent mortality and morbidity incidents (WHO, 2024). According to WHO, nearly 2.3 million women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 2022 with 670000 deaths worldwide (WHO, 2024). Likewise, in New Zealand, in the year 2021, nearly 3600 women were diagnosed with breast cancer with 662 deaths and these diagnoses were most common under the age group of 40 to 70 years (70-75% in women aged 50 years or above) (Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, 2025).

Health initiatives

In New Zealand, multiple initiatives have been taken at the government and community levels to address the issue of breast cancer including the following:

1. BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA)- It is a free service for breast screening which is managed by the Ministry of Health and aims for early detection of breast cancer and timely management to prevent adverse events (BreastNet NZ, 2025). Under this program, asymptomatic women aged between 45-69 can go for free mammograms by registering online every 2 years (BreastNet NZ, 2025).
2. Te Aho o Te Kahu- It is a cancer control agency that aims to reduce cancer inequities and improve the health outcomes of women in the country through the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019-2029 (Te Aho o Te Kahu, n.d.). The main priority of this plan is equity-focused service delivery to the women of New Zealand through improved and early detection and provision of culturally safe care to them (Te Aho o Te Kahu, n.d.).   
3. Te Tiriti o Waitangi- It is a founding document between 500 Māori chiefs and the British Crown, signed in 1840 that also underpins cancer care initiatives to ensure culturally safe and equitable services for Māori people through plans like the Māori Cancer Action Plan to improve access to screening, timely diagnosis and treatment to address disparities of cancers including breast cancer among Māori women (Ministry of Health, 2020).