A cancer expert says cancer outcomes in New Zealand aren't as good as in Australia

An editorial in the New Zealand Medical Journal cites data that shows cancer deaths in New Zealand are 11 percent higher than those in Australia.

Auckland University cancer epidemiologist Mark Elwood says excess deaths aren't because there's more cancer here -- but because we aren't as good at treating cancer.

New Zealand diagnoses cancer later - an international study shows it's more difficult and takes more time here for GPs to get diagnostic tests done, or get a specialist opinion.

In a 2019 review of 30 developed countries, Australia ranked second for survival and New Zealand 22nd.