Indigenous inequalities in cancer: What role for health care?

Abstract

Introduction: Poorer cancer survival in Indigenous populations contributes to health inequalities in both New Zealand and Australia. Methods: We reviewed recent evidence of cancer treatment and outcomes among Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders and examined the range of factors that may contribute to poorer survival in Māori. Results: There is clear evidence that Māori have poorer cancer survival compared with other ethnic groups, particularly European New Zealanders. Two recent studies show that Māori patients receive poorer quality treatment for cancers of the lung and colon, even after adjusting for patient factors. These findings suggest the need to consider how the health-care system as ..