NZ Women to Benefit from Best Practice for Breast Cancer

The New Zealand Guidelines Group launched new national guidelines on the management of early breast cancer at the inaugural National Maori Cancer Forum in Rotorua on 12th August 2009.

 

The guideline’s recommendations were developed by a group of clinical and consumer experts.

 

The guideline provides an evidence-based summary of best practice in the management of early breast cancer. It covers the period from a person’s diagnosis through to treatment for early breast cancer and includes recommendations for follow-up.

 

The guideline does not cover screening or the management of advanced breast cancer.

 

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) welcomes the release of the guidelines which outline best practice for the clinical management of early breast cancer.

 

Executive Trustee Heather Shotter says “These guidelines should be of benefit to all New Zealanders diagnosed with early breast cancer. Historically there has been inconsistent access to treatment between DHBs in New Zealand and especially for those women who live in rural areas”.

 

Shotter says “The instigation of these guidelines should lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients and give women with early breast cancer confidence that they can ask for and receive the best standard of care”.

 

The Ministry of Health commissioned the guidelines as part of its commitment to the implementation of the Cancer Control Strategy. This commitment is ongoing, with the Ministry funding the development of an implementation plan, to be completed in early 2010.

 

The guideline is intended primarily for providers of care for women with early breast cancer, but will be freely available for all. It will be available for electronic download from the New Zealand Guideline Group’s website from 13th August 2009. The website is www.nzgg.org.nz.