Along with many other countries, New Zealand has an increasing number of people who are developing cancer, mainly because of population growth and ageing, and other population changes such as the increase in obesity, increasing physical inactivity and insufficient fruit and vegetable intakes. 

Currently about 16,000 people develop cancer each year, and this is expected to increase to 22,000 by the year 2011 (Gavin and Marshall 2001). 
About 7,500 die from cancer each year, with the number expected to increase to about 9000 by 2012 (Ministry of Health 2002). 

In 2000, cancer accounted for approximately 29% of deaths in New Zealand (NZHIS 2004).
Cancer is the leading cause of death for Maori women (78% higher than for non-Maori) and the second highest cause of death for Maori men (Minister of Health 2003). 

1 in 3 New Zealanders are affected by cancer.
Further information:

• Tobacco and Cancer
• Sun Exposure and Cancer
• Nutrition and Physical Activity and Cancer
• Cancer Information Sheets

References:
Gavin J, Marshall B. 2001. Progress towards a New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy. Auckland: New Zealand Cancer Control Trust. Minister of Health. 2003. The New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy. Wellington: Ministry of Health and the New Zealand Cancer Control Trust. Ministry of Health. 2002a.  Cancer in New Zealand: Trends and projections.  Occasional Bulletin No. 15.  Wellington: Ministry of Health. New Zealand Health Information Service. 2004. Cancer: New Registrations and Deaths, 2000. Wellington: Ministry of Health.