Rethinking Cancer Statistics in New Zealand for a Healthier Tomorrow

Introduction

The latest cancer report in New Zealand has made me stop commenting on other topics. Instead, I will write and share my own thoughts about this report.

Ideology, commercial interests, and personal or political agendas have no role in our health system. The sole focus must be on enhancing the health and well-being of every New Zealander.

Cancer affects thousands of New Zealanders every year, yet our understanding of its current impact remains clouded by outdated information. The latest report on cancer by Te Aho o Te Kahu, released in 2025, relies on data that stops at 2019. This gap leaves us flying blind, unable to see how recent events like the pandemic, injecting experimental gene therapies into 95% of the population, and healthcare disruptions have influenced cancer rates and outcomes.

Let me be positive, and in a Freerangers way: We know the human body is remarkable. When we nourish it well, move regularly, sleep deeply, spend time outdoors, and connect with community, it has a remarkable ability to heal and resist disease. Food acts as medicine, movement as therapy, and sunlight as a tonic. If we want to live long, healthy lives, we should stay twenty years ahead of disease, not years behind it, like this cancer report has us believe. The positive mindset that I promote and live by can guide us toward a future where cancer is less of a threat and excellent health is the norm.

The Problem with Outdated Cancer Data

The recent "State of Cancer" report does not reflect current reality. The data ends in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services, delayed screenings, mRNA jabs, and increased stress levels nationwide. These factors likely affected cancer detection and treatment, but we have no clear picture of their impact.

This lack of up-to-date information means:

• We cannot accurately measure current cancer trends. Without recent data, we miss changes in incidence, survival rates, and mortality.

• We cannot identify emerging risks or vulnerable groups. Delays in screening and treatment may have worsened outcomes for some populations.

• We cannot plan effective responses. Health policies and resources may not match the real needs of New Zealanders today.

  
  

The public assumes a new report means new data, but this is not the case. The report format was created in 2021, and the underlying dataset, despite digitisation and AI, has not advanced beyond 2019. This creates a visibility collapse, leaving us unable to see or respond to the true state of cancer in our country.

Learning from the Past to Prepare for the Future

Early in my career, I worked with the Accident Compensation Commission in the 1970s and early 80s. One key lesson was the importance of watching global trends to prepare locally. For example, when skateboarding injuries surged in the United States, we expected a similar rise in New Zealand and took steps to reduce its harm.

This proactive approach contrasts sharply with waiting for local data to show a problem, which always comes too late. We need to apply this proactive mindset to cancer and other diseases now. Instead of relying on outdated statistics, we should front-foot thing:

• Watch international cancer trends and research.

• Using real-time health data and technology to track changes.

• Listen to health professionals working at the "coal-face" of health.

• Invest in early detection and real prevention programs.

• Support community health initiatives that promote wellbeing.

  
  

By staying well ahead of the crest of the wave of ill-health, we can reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes for all New Zealanders. Instead, we work from outdated data and we ignore the obvious. We must change the way we do healthcare. More of the same is unacceptable. It will ruin this country — and it is ruining us already!

Building a Healthier New Zealand Through Lifestyle and Community

The foundation of cancer prevention lies in everyday choices and environments. The Freeranger philosophy reminds us that the body thrives when we:

• Eat nutritious, whole foods that support immune function and reduce inflammation.

• Move daily through walking, cycling, or other enjoyable activities.

• Sleep deeply to allow the body to repair and regenerate.

• Spend time outdoors to benefit from sunlight and fresh air.

• Connect with the community to foster emotional wellbeing and support.

  
  

These simple but powerful habits help keep us twenty years ahead of disease. They also reduce the burden on healthcare systems and improve quality of life.

Strategising to stay twenty years ahead of disease works! Waiting untill your doctors says, "Houston, I think we have a problem", is asking for abject failure!

Communities can play a vital role by creating safe spaces for physical activity, promoting healthy food access, and encouraging social connections. Schools, workplaces, and local councils can all contribute to environments that support health, and proactively combat ill health ever being expressed.

Please read and share this PDF:

Manifesto_for_Rediscovering_Ethical_and_Holistic_Healthcare.pdf

Download PDF • 474KB

The Role of Technology and Data in Cancer Control

To move beyond outdated cancer data, New Zealand must invest in better health information systems (I thought we had!). This includes:

• Real-time data collection from hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.

• Integration of electronic health records to track patient outcomes.

• Use of artificial intelligence and analytics to identify trends and predict risks.

• Public dashboards that provide transparent, up-to-date information for the public and health professionals.

  
  

Such tools enable faster responses, targeted interventions, and informed decision-making. They also help people understand their health risks and take preventative action, at least 20 years before any health problems arise. Do that, and there will be no ill health of significance. Surprise, surprise!

What You Can Do Today

Start the day with a Super Smoothie!

While systemic changes take time, you can start building resilience now:

• Choose whole, unprocessed foods and limit excessively processed foods and sugars.

• Incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.

• Prioritise sleep hygiene and stress management.

• Spend time in nature and nurture social connections.

By taking these steps, you contribute to a healthier New Zealand and reduce your own cancer risk.

Be strong!

Be Free!

Be a Freeranger!