Newly released study results present a strong case for lung cancer screening in New Zealand — particularly for Māori whose mortality rates are between three and four times higher than other ethnic groups.

Image courtesy of Siemens Healthineers


September 30, 2020 — Newly released study results present a strong case for lung cancer screening in New Zealand — particularly for Māori whose mortality rates are between three and four times higher than other ethnic groups.

Around 450 Māori are diagnosed with lung cancer each year and approximately 300 die from it.

Waitematā and Auckland DHBs have collaborated with University of Otago researchers on a study to assess whether low dose computerized tomography (LDCT) might be a cost-effective way to catch the disease in its early stages and improve health outcomes for Māori and, ultimately, other ethnic groups.

LDCT is a computerised x-ray that produces very clear three dimensional images by using only a small amount of radiation.

The study, led by Associate Professor Sue Crengle (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha) from the University of Otago and just published online by medical journal BMJ Open, used scientific modelling to estimate the benefits and costs of LDCT screening in a high-risk population.

Multiple factors need to be considered before any kind of screening programme goes ahead but an answer to the question of cost-effectiveness is a significant step forward.

"Having clarity about the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening provides further impetus to get this work started," Crengle said. "If this works for Māori, then it will work for everyone else as well."

Study findings show that:

  • a national biennial lung cancer screening programme is likely to be cost-effective for Māori and the total population in New Zealand.
  • screening is likely to reduce population inequities relating to lung cancer among Māori.

Screening trials have been completed overseas where they have resulted in a 20-26 per cent reduction in lung cancer deaths.

The DHBs and University of Otago are now planning to trial an invitation process with up to 50 general practices across the Auckland and Waitematā catchments. The trial will be aimed at Māori patients and the results will help shape any future screening roll-out across New Zealand.

Waitematā DHB and Auckland DHB Director of Health Outcomes Karen Bartholomew, M.D., said deaths from lung cancer are the single-greatest contributor to the higher mortality rate for Māori compared with NZ Europeans / other ethnicities.

"Around 75 per cent of early-stage lung cancer may be curable." Bartholomew said. "If lung cancer is caught early enough, the impact of screening could go a long way towards helping us save lives and eliminate the unacceptable inequities we currently see in mortality between Māori and non-Māori."

For more information: www.otago.ac.nz


Related Content

News | Radiation Therapy

May 14, 2025 — Siemens Healthineers is investing $150 million in new projects to expand production, create jobs and ...

Time May 15, 2025
arrow
News | Radiology Business

The issue of sustainability in healthcare has gained increasing focus over the past several years. During a 2022 plenary ...

Time May 06, 2025
arrow
News | ASTRO

March 14, 2025 — Another pivotal milestone in the nation’s fight against cancer recently took place with the ...

Time March 17, 2025
arrow
News | Radiology Imaging

Nov. 13, 2024 — Agfa Radiology Solutions will feature live demonstrations of state-of-the-art digital X-ray rooms ...

Time November 14, 2024
arrow
News | Artificial Intelligence

Sept. 13, 2024 — Bayer Calantic Digital Solutions has announced the availability of a new eBook that addresses how ...

Time September 12, 2024
arrow
News | Computed Tomography (CT)

SPONSORED CONTENT — Fujifilm’s latest CT technology brings exceptional image quality to a compact and user- and patient ...

Time August 06, 2024
arrow
News | PET-CT

July 31, 2024 — In a head-to-head comparison with FDG PET/CT, FDG PET/MRI demonstrated comparable or superior diagnostic ...

Time July 31, 2024
arrow
News | Radiology Business

July 31, 2024 — The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) announced the three Registered Technologists (R ...

Time July 31, 2024
arrow
Feature | Computed Tomography (CT) | By Melinda Taschetta-Millane

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical imaging, computed tomography (CT) stands out as a cornerstone technology ...

Time July 30, 2024
arrow
Videos | Radiology Business

Find actionable insights to achieve sustainability and savings in radiology in this newest of ITN’s “One on One” video ...

Time July 30, 2024
arrow
Subscribe Now