Cancer diagnoses in New Zealand are increasing: The latest data and how to reduce your risk
Published: 30 October 2026
Around one in three New Zealanders will develop cancer in their lifetime. It is something that will affect many of us, whether personally or through someone we care about.
New Zealand recorded 29,719 cancer registrations in 2023, the highest annual total in the published series. However, this does not necessarily mean an individual’s overall cancer risk is rising. Much of the increase reflects New Zealand’s growing and ageing population, while the age-standardised registration rate has remained broadly stable over time.
We’ve looked at the latest national data to explain what is changing, which cancers New Zealanders should be most aware of, and the practical steps that can help reduce your risk.
Cancer registrations are increasing, but the overall rate remains stable
To help explain what the latest figures mean, this article uses 2023 data from the New Zealand Cancer Registry, published through Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. We’ve also drawn on analysis from Te Aho o Te Kahu – Cancer Control Agency, which helps put the data into context.
Cancer in New Zealand: 2023 at a glance |
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29,719 new cancer diagnoses Recorded in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023. |
355 registrations per 100,000 people Overall age-standardised cancer registration rate in 2023. |
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10,676 deaths from cancer in 2023 The age-adjusted death rate has slowly declined over 2001–2023. The 2023 figures are preliminary and may be revised. |
1.2 times the registration rate for Māori compared with non-Māori. |
New Zealand’s growing and ageing population helps explain why the number of cancer registrations is increasing. However, after accounting for differences in population age structure, the overall cancer registration rate remained stable over 2001–2023.
Population growth, ageing and earlier detection are increasing cancer registrations
Cancer is not one disease but more than 200 different conditions, each with its own biology, risk factors and trends. Although the total number of registrations is increasing, this does not mean every cancer is becoming more common. Several overlapping demographic, behavioural and healthcare factors can influence registration numbers.
Part of the rise is expected. New Zealand’s population is growing and ageing, and cancer becomes more common as people move into older age groups. Better screening and diagnostic tools may also be identifying cancers that previously went unrecorded, which can make the numbers higher while also creating more opportunities for earlier treatment.
Lifestyle factors also play a role. Smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and high UV exposure are all linked to cancer risk, and New Zealand faces real challenges in each of these areas. These risks do not affect every cancer type in the same way, but they reinforce the importance of prevention. Recommended screening can also help detect some cancers earlier.
Cancer death rates have fallen over time
Although more cancer diagnoses are being recorded, the age-adjusted cancer death rate has declined overall since the early 1990s. In other words, once population ageing is taken into account, deaths from cancer have become less common.
How cancer incidence rates compare in New Zealand
The table below shows age-standardised incidence rates for selected malignant cancer types in 2023. Rates are presented per 100,000 people and are standardised to account for differences in population age structure. The table should not be read as a complete ranking of all cancers because it does not include sex-specific cancers such as prostate cancer.
| Cancer type | Age-standardised rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|
| Malignant melanoma of skin | 40.5 |
| Colon, rectum, rectosigmoid junction and anus | 40.4 |
| Lung | 27.6 |
| Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | 12.0 |
| Leukaemia | 10.4 |
| Kidney and other and unspecified urinary organs | 9.4 |
| Lip, oral cavity and pharynx | 8.3 |
| Pancreas | 7.9 |
| Thyroid gland | 6.5 |
| Stomach | 6.4 |
| Multiple myeloma and malignant plasma cell cancers | 5.6 |
| Brain | 5.5 |
| Bladder | 5.4 |
| Liver and intrahepatic bile ducts | 4.6 |
| Oesophagus | 3.7 |
| Hodgkin lymphoma | 2.2 |
Common cancers and the screening options to know about in New Zealand
Skin cancer: New Zealand’s most common cancer
New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world, with high UV exposure a major risk factor. In 2023, the age-standardised rate of malignant melanoma was 40.5 per 100,000 people.
This figure refers specifically to malignant melanoma, not all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are excluded from the New Zealand Cancer Registry. However, our partners at MoleMap estimate that 90,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed in New Zealand each year.
The encouraging news: MoleMap states that 95% of melanomas are treatable when spotted very early.
We have partnered with two great organisations to support our members to take control of their skin health and help them detect issues early.
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MoleMap 20% off skin check services at participating clinics. Offer valid until 31 December 2026; exclusions apply. |
SkinVision Access to the SkinVision App available to all UniMed members |
Bowel cancer: Know your screening options
Bowel cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in New Zealand. New Zealand offers a free National Bowel Screening Programme, with a simple home test kit sent every two years to eligible people up to age 74. The programme is available from age 56 in Waitematā, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Tairāwhiti, Wairarapa, West Coast and South Canterbury, with the lower starting age being rolled out to the rest of the country in 2027.
While the national programme plays an important role, bowel cancer can still affect people before they reach the eligible age for the national screening programme. UniMed’s bowel screening service gives eligible members another opportunity to take a proactive step, before they qualify for the national programme. It’s a simple at-home test, but it can make a real difference. Finding bowel cancer early gives people more treatment options and a better chance of recovery.
Breast cancer: Screening can help find it earlier
Breast cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in New Zealand women. Free mammography screening is available for women aged 45–69 (with an extension to 74 for those who qualify). If breast cancer runs in your family, talk to your GP about screening before the eligible age range.
Find out more about Health NZ screening services
Prostate cancer: When to talk to your GP about PSA testing
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. There is no national screening programme, but a PSA blood test is available.
Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ recommends that men over 50, or over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, talk to their GP about whether PSA testing is appropriate for them.
Cervical cancer: Vaccination and screening help prevent cancer
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening. HPV self-testing is available for eligible people with a cervix aged 25–69, usually every five years following a negative result. Some people need more frequent testing, so check with your healthcare provider about what is right for you.
Screening is currently free for some groups, with free screening for everyone eligible due to begin on 1 March 2027. Ask your screening provider whether your appointment is funded. If you are due or overdue, do not delay getting screened.
New Zealand research found HPV vaccination was associated with a 68% lower rate of cervical cancer among the people studied, with the greatest benefit among those vaccinated at a younger age.
Vaccination is free for people aged 9–26 and is usually offered through participating schools in Year 7 or 8. Talk to your GP about vaccination or catching up on missed doses. Regular cervical screening remains important even after vaccination.
Lung cancer: Reducing risk and finding it earlier
While lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking, it also affects people who have never smoked. The Cancer Society states staying “Smokefree” remains one of the highest-impact steps anyone can take to reduce their cancer risk.
Targeted studies are investigating low-dose CT screening for people at higher risk. These scans can detect lung cancer before symptoms develop, but access through the studies is limited to eligible participants in selected regions. Talk to your GP about your individual risk and whether further assessment is appropriate.
New Zealand does not yet have a national lung cancer screening programme, although organisations including the Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ are advocating for one.
Early detection in action: John's story
When John Seed’s son noticed a concerning brown stripe on his father’s thumbnail during a casual family visit, John almost ignored it. But something made him act.
He booked a MoleMap skin check using his UniMed Member discount and was seen within a few days. While the mark on his thumbnail had prompted the appointment, a comprehensive skin check uncovered something unexpected: a potential melanoma on his back.
The suspicious area was removed by his doctor and later confirmed to be an aggressive melanoma, requiring further treatment.
"If it hadn't been spotted by my son and I couldn't get the discount, I would probably never have gone and I'd be sitting here today blissfully unaware," he said. That’s what early detection looks like in practice. And it's why having health cover that actively supports prevention as well as treatment matters.
Practical ways to reduce your cancer risk
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is clear: Not all cancers can be prevented, but healthy habits can reduce the risk of some cancers, while screening can help detect certain cancers earlier.
- Be SunSmart: use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak UV hours (10am–4pm).
- Stay active and eat well: a diet rich in vegetables, fibre, and whole foods, combined with regular exercise, lowers risk across multiple cancer types.
- Limit alcohol: even modest reductions in alcohol intake are associated with reduced cancer risk.
- Stay smokefree: if you smoke, quitting is the single highest-impact lifestyle change for cancer prevention.
- Know your family history: if close relatives have had cancer, particularly at a younger age, talk to your doctor about earlier or more frequent screening.
- Participate in national screening programmes: take part in bowel, breast and cervical screening when you’re eligible, and check whether any costs apply.
- Get a professional skin check: especially if you spend time outdoors, have many moles, or have a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Support available to UniMed members
Skin checks are especially important in New Zealand, where high UV exposure and skin cancer rates make early detection essential. MoleMap uses trained melanographers, dermatologist review and AI-assisted imaging technology to provide a thorough skin assessment.
UniMed members can access 20% off eligible MoleMap skin check services at participating clinics, helping make professional skin checks more accessible. Some UniMed Health Plans also include a skin screening loyalty benefit. We recommend checking your policy documents or contact Member Services to confirm what your plan includes.
Book your MoleMap skin check here
UniMed members can also access SkinVision, a digital skin monitoring service that can help you keep an eye on changing spots and moles. It’s another way to take a proactive approach to skin health between professional checks.
Download the SkinVision app here
UniMed members aged 18 or older who are living with cancer can access personalised support through Osara Health, helping them navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and daily life.
When to see your doctor
This article provides general health information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
If you notice unexplained lumps, changes to moles or skin, persistent bowel changes, unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, or anything else that concerns you, see your GP promptly rather than waiting for a scheduled screening. If you have no symptoms, keep up with recommended screening when you’re eligible.