A new cancer control plan to be presented to the Southern District Health Board today says the board must prepare for a significant increase in the number of cancer cases.
Southern's cancer rates were expected to increase "significantly", mainly because of a projected increase in those aged over 65.
"Robust services will be required in order to treat the increased number of cancer cases expected in the coming years."
Nationally, cancer was projected to increase about 29% for men, and 12% for women, 2006-16.
The Otago-Southland local cancer network cancer plan 2011-14 will be presented to the combined disability support and community and public health advisory committees today and the full board tomorrow. Key planning issues for cancer treatment provision in the South included keeping up with changing treatments, increased demand for oncology services, achieving timely access to diagnostic, treatment, and palliative care, dealing with inequalities of access to cancer services in Otago and Southland, the regions' large geographical area, and a lack of private cancer care options.
The plan said the newly-formed Southern Primary Health Organisation should aid prevention and early detection efforts as it made liaising with other agencies easier.
In 2007, 1409 new cancer sufferers registered in Southern DHB, 50.5% male and 49.5% female. From 2003-07, the most common registered cancer in Southern DHB was colorectal cancer, accounting for 20.2% of registrations.
Prostate (13.2%) and breast cancer (12.4%) were the next most commonly registered cancers.
