Coasties are being invited to join an inspiring nationwide effort to eliminate cervical cancer in New Zealand.

The Cancer Society, alongside key partners, has launched a unique campaign to tackle the disease, calling on everyday Kiwis to play their part in an ambitious and life-saving mission.

The campaign centres around The Book That Ended Cancer: A Story That Can Only Be Made True by You, a symbolic picture book that frames the fight against cervical cancer as an incomplete story.

Nicola Coom, Chief Executive of the Cancer Society, describes the initiative as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“New Zealand has an opportunity to eliminate cervical cancer. We can save countless lives and leave a powerful legacy for generations to come,” Ms Coom said.

“We know how the story starts and how we want it to end, but it’s missing the middle – the part where the heroes save the day.”

The campaign, a collaboration with Hei Āhuru Mōwai: Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and Te Tātai Hauora o Hine – National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa, is more than just a symbolic gesture.

It calls for tangible action from the Government to:

• Extend free cervical screening to more people.
• Fully fund an equitable Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy.
• Increase access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Approximately 175 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, and 55 die from the disease.

However, advances in HPV vaccination, cervical screening—including self-testing—and early treatment mean elimination is within reach.

To date, over 1,400 individuals and 30 organisations have signed up to the campaign.

Their names will appear in the final version of the book, which will be presented to the Government.

“Giving people the chance to become part of the story to end a cancer in New Zealand is exciting and empowering,” Ms Coom said.

Community members can learn more and add their names to the cause by visiting endcervicalcancer.org.nz

Have a story to share?

Contact [email protected]