Aim: To investigate the contribution to cancer care and prevention by Māori health provider organisations (MHPs) in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Methods: A nationwide postal survey of all MHPs (n=253) was undertaken in 2011. The response rate was 55%.
Results: We found that MHPs are delivering a wide range of programmes including cancer prevention services focussed on health promotion, advocacy, information and support. MHPs identified financial hardship, transport difficulties, and lack of information as the greatest barriers to cancer care. Culturally safe care by mainstream providers would improve cancer service provision overall. The importance of trust and long-term relationships, with a focus on families rather than individual-based care, was highlighted.
Conclusion: These findings could lead to substantial improvements in quality of life for Māori cancer patients. This is the first study to show how indigenous health providers contribute to cancer care and prevention in Aotearoa/New Zealand.