5. Question No. 5—HealthDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 5—Health5. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Health: What is Te Aho o Te Kahu—Cancer Control Agency doing to improve men's health?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): Te Aho o Te Kahu—Cancer Control Agency is currently undertaking a large proactive programme of work to transform the way cancer treatment services are provided in New Zealand. We know that prostate cancer is a serious issue for men in this country. It's the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Every year nearly 4000 men are diagnosed and about 650 die from the disease—the third highest cause of death after lung and bowel cancers. The work of Te Aho is to support those diagnosed with cancer to access high-quality care regardless of who they are or where they live. Specifically in relation to prostate cancer this is about ensuring the evidence-based guidance to improve diagnosis and inform the need to improve specialist cancer treatment and support services. This will improve how all men connect with and journey through the cancer care system but will be of particular benefit to Māori and Pacific men and their whānau.Dr Duncan Webb: What work is being done to improve cancer-related health outcomes for Pacific men?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Cancer disproportionately affects Pacific communities in New Zealand. This means many aiga grow up without their fathers brothers sons uncles and grandfathers because of the inequitable access to cancer treatment for these communities. Te Aho have been working with community partners such as Moana Connect to better overcome the barriers Pacific men face in getting cancer treatment. This research which will be released early in 2023 will inform further work by Te Aho to identify opportunities to improve cancer coordination and support or care for Pacific peoples during cancer treatment.Dr Duncan Webb: What work's being done to improve cancer-related health outcomes for Māori men?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: We know that Māori have worse cancer survival rates than other New Zealanders particularly Māori men. Māori are 20 percent more likely than non-Māori to develop cancer and twice as likely to die from it. These outcomes are not good enough and that's why the work of Te Aho in conjunction with Te Aka Whai Ora—Māori Health Authority is so important. Te Aho works closely with Hei Āhuru Mōwai—Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa. Their members sit on many of Te Aho's major advisory groups targeting advice towards equitable cancer outcomes for Māori as well as access to Māori cancer expertise. The Government is also taking further steps as announced in the Budget this year. From 2023 we are lowering the bowel-screening age for Māori and Pacific people from 60 to 50 years of age. This will help stem the longstanding inequities these communities face in accessing such vital health services compared to other New Zealanders.Dr Duncan Webb: What else can be done to support improvements in men's health?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Well I'm glad that member asked. As with every Movember growing a mo is the biggest way to show your support or anyone's support for this very cause and of course I am someone who already sports a fair amount of facial hair myself. As a cancer survivor myself—prostate cancer—it is fantastic to see such support some blokes are doing across the Chamber to help raise not only awareness but also funding for men's health.Dr Duncan Webb: In light of that answer and in view of Movember being a health initiative does the Minister have a view of which mo is the best in the House?SPEAKER: In so far as he has ministerial responsibility!Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Mr Speaker naturally your good self as the top contender but I am thankful for all members who have participated in this very important gesture.