Womb Cancer ‘Really Hitting The Pacific And Māori Communities', NZ Biologist Says
Article – RNZ
Mori and Pasifika women have some of the highest rates of womb cancer in the word.
, RNZ Pacific Bulletin Editor
Susana Suisuiki, Pacific Waves Presenter/Producer
Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific Bulletin Editor
A University of Auckland biologist working on less invasive tests for womb cancer (or endometrial cancer) says studies suggest that one of its causes is higher weight or metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
The number of diagnoses of the disease in New Zealand has risen from 600 a decade ago to around 750 a year.
Māori and Pasifika women have some of the highest rates of womb cancer in the world.
Researchers say younger New Zealand women are now being diagnosed with womb cancer, which previously struck after menopause. It is occurring in women aged 30 to 40 and is particularly prevalent in Māori and Pasifika populations.
'We need to do a bit more work and to have a look at the numbers,' Dr Cherie Blenkiron told Pacific Waves.
'But the studies that are out there suggest that is really one of the main causes…particularly in New Zealand, for the increased number of people who are being diagnosed each year.
'Unfortunately, that really is hitting the Pacific and Māori communities.'
She said there have been 'really tight studies' that have shown that one of the causes is higher weight or metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
'What they've shown in these trials overseas is if you treat and you manage those conditions better, then you reduce the likelihood of those women developing endometrial cancer.'
However, Dr Blenkiron said it is a type of cancer that can be removed if found early.
Symptoms can include cramping and abnormal bleeding or spotting.
'You know your body perfectly well, so if there's any change in in bleeding, then really do get it checked out by your GP.
'Women will present with symptoms, and that really means that if they act on those symptoms…we can pick up the cancer early, we can treat it early, and this is a type of cancer that can be cured very easily with surgery or really limited forms of drugs.'
The new screening tests the university is working on aim to do move away from 'quite nasty' biopsies and to minimally invasive tests, Dr Blenkiron said.
'We're looking for molecules, for example, in the blood or in little biopsies. Or one of the projects that we're doing is looking for swabs. So taking self swabs, much like have been done in cervical cancer,' she said.
'So blood tests, swab tests – much easier to take and much more painless.
'What we do with these tests is to first, hopefully, pick up the cancer earlier. So these would be screening tests.
'And second to pick the right medicine or the right treatment for each patient,' she added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
50 Years On: Petition Calls For Review Of NZ's Outdated Drug Laws
Campaign: Modernise Our Drugs Act A new petition is calling on Parliament to launch an independent regulatory review of New Zealand's outdated Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (MoDA) and its associated framework, including the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013. Launched under the banner Modernise Our Drugs Act, the campaign is non-partisan and focused on sound governance — not ideology. The petition specifically calls for the review to be led by the Ministry for Regulation, to ensure an evidence-based, impartial assessment of whether these laws are effective, efficient, fair, and fit for purpose in 2025 and beyond. 'This is about public interest and modern regulation. These laws haven't had a full review in 50 years — it's time to assess whether they're working, not from a moral or political standpoint, but through the lens of good governance.' Why Now? Outdated framework: MoDA was passed in 1975 and reflects an era long past. Fragmented laws: Ad hoc amendments have created inconsistency and confusion. Equity concerns: Māori, Pasifika, and young people are disproportionately impacted. Inefficiency: Current laws impose high costs on police, courts, and health services with limited results. Global leadership: New Zealand has previously led the world on needle exchange, medicinal cannabis, and drug checking — it's time to lead again. What This Petition Is Not Calling For This campaign does not advocate for: The legalisation or decriminalisation of any specific substance Specific changes to health or justice policies Any predetermined reform outcome Instead, it simply calls for a regulatory review — a neutral, expert-led process to evaluate whether our current laws are achieving their intended goals and aligned with modern evidence. The petition is live on OurActionStation and open for public signatures: About the Campaign Modernise Our Drugs Act is a grassroots, cross-partisan initiative seeking an evidence-informed, modern approach to drug law in Aotearoa. The campaign is focused on clarity, fairness, and regulatory fitness — not on promoting any specific policy outcome.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Taulasea, Or Traditional Healers, Play A Significant Role In Samoan Society, New Study Finds
, RNZ Pacific Bulletin Editor A new study has found traditional healers, or Taulasea, have a key role in Samoan society. The study was published in Kotuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online. Researchers interviewed 14 Taulasea - three were from Aotearoa and the others from Samoa. They were aged between 44 and 94 years old and practiced a range of healing methods. The findings revealed four major themes: sacredness of the Taulasea knowledge and practice; Taulasea specialisation; Taulasea methods and approaches; and holistic views that impact health. Lead author Professor Riz Firestone from Massey University said Taulasea play a sacred, community-centred role "rooted in spiritual duty rather than commerce". "Healers diagnose holistically, combining prayer, plant-based medicines, massage and dietary advice, and they act as gatekeepers, referring severe cases to westernised medical care," she said. "Present-day lifestyle habits that are modernised, reliant on processed foods and sedentary lifestyles contribute to surging diet-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and malnutrition. Taulasea advocate a return to simple traditional diets." The study said traditional healers are often the first port of call for Samoans in need of care. "The healing practices of Taulasea are deeply rooted in a spiritual context, where their work is above mere employment and is perceived by them as a sacred duty," it said. "This sense of duty shapes how they conduct their practices, emphasising the role of service over financial remuneration. "Although it is difficult to validate the spiritual dimension of the Taulasea's work, as people continue to use their services as either a first port of call or simultaneously whilst seeking Westernised medicine, the perpetual use of traditional healing reinforces the value of their positionality in society." Taulasea also recognised shifts in practices due to the changing environment and conditions that people present to them, the study said. "The blend of traditional, cultural, spiritual, and scientific may provide a robust framework for addressing health issues and enhancing overall quality of life. "In some societies, there have been collaborative approaches, where Taulasea have played a complementary role with Westernised doctors, but this has been largely regulatory towards traditional healers. "Nonetheless, both practitioners can coexist, but a model of care and the nature of the collaboration requires further consultation between the two." The study also noted recent research that showed there may be "subjective benefits" that patients reap from seeing a traditional healer, that "may not be quantifiable in a Western framework", and so the subjective benefits must be further explored to get a deeper understanding of their work and role. "As global standards are shifting to incorporate more indigenous and traditional knowledge, it would be important to acknowledge the Taulasea still have a significant role in current modern-day systems, and this could be capitalised upon. "What is currently needed is a further understanding of why people continue to use Taulasea; and how a reciprocal model of care be informed and developed for use in the future, where Samoans (and all Pacific people) have access to the best of both traditional and Westernised healing practices." The study also said the Taluasea were strict on patient commitment and compliance. "From the Taulasea's perspective, this is a critical part of their service, because should the patient not comply, the consequences are detrimental to the Taulasea themselves or their family members. "They believe that the sickness or illness transfers to them and/or to their family members; whether people regard this as being superstitious, it is a commonly held view by the Taulasea in this study from generational knowledge passed down to them." The study did note its limitations, including a small, non-random sample size, possible translation issues, and its reliance on narrative interviews without other forms of methodological triangulation, such as observational data.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- RNZ News
Norfolk Island Council defends waste management amid illegal asbestos dumping fears
The illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated material is creating health risks for those who dump the material and potentially to others, the Norfolk Island Rregional Council says. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King The Norfolk Island Regional Council says people on the island are illegally dumping construction and demolition waste that potentially contains asbestos. RNZ Pacific has been receiving complaints from members of the island community who believe the council has been hiding asbestos under mulch instead of exporting it to mainland Australia. Norfolk Island Regional Council acting general manager Philip Reid said asbestos is not being buried as part of the council's waste management operations. Reid said construction and demolition waste that had been illegally dumped was temporarily moved and covered with mulch. "This is due to the potential for the material to contain asbestos following unauthorised disposal by waste management centre users," Reid said. According to Health New Zealand , asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of many small fibres which are very strong and are highly resistant to heat, fire, chemicals and wear. It says asbestos can increase the risk of developing cancer and the main way people are exposed to asbestos is by breathing in air that contains asbestos fibres. A statement from the Norfolk Regional Council said the illegal dumping of asbestos-contaminated material is creating health risks for those who dump the material and potentially to others. It said exporting asbestos waste off-island is costly for residents. "One alternative to export could be the development of an engineered disposal pit on Norfolk Island specifically for asbestos waste, which could reduce transport costs but would require careful design to meet planning and environmental legislation. "This option would need to consider the initial cost to develop and construct the pit and also look at the implications of monitoring the pit in the long term." The statement said the council, in the meantime, is developing a community awareness campaign aimed at curbing the illegal and dangerous dumping of asbestos. "The current interim measures of maintaining secure storage during relocation will minimise risks until a permanent solution is implemented."
