Addressing inequities in colorectal cancer outcomes (AICCO)
A three-year project funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand to identify health service solutions to address inequitable colorectal cancer outcomes
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, and displays significant inequities by ethnicity.
This project aims to address timeliness, accessibility and quality across the colorectal cancer continuum, in the areas of screening, primary health care, treatment delay, and end-of-life care. For each area, we will investigate the contribution of key factors to colorectal cancer inequities and identify potential health system solutions to address these.
Design and methods
The research is underpinned by Kaupapa Māori research methodology and Pacific frameworks, with senior Māori and Pacific researchers leading relevant aspects of the work.
This project features four components covering different phases of the cancer continuum:
Bowel screening
This component aims to investigate the timeliness, accessibility and quality of the National Bowel Screening Programme and explore local initiatives aimed at improving screening participation.
More informationPrimary healthcare
This component examines whether barriers to access to primary care are associated with inequities in colorectal cancer.
More informationTreatment delay
This component examines the effect of delay on colorectal cancer-specific mortality and the contribution of delay to ethnic-related differences in mortality.
It will also explore the type of support needed by Māori and Pacific patients with colorectal cancer before their treatment begins.
More informationEnd-of-life care
This component assesses the accessibility, timeliness, and quality of end-of-life care provided to Māori and Pacific patients.
It will also explore how community- or hospice-based end-of-life care services can best meet the needs of Māori and Pacific patients with colorectal cancer.
More informationKo wai mātou - Who are we?
We are an experienced team of researchers who have previously collaborated on a range of research studies. Our collective expertise covers cancer epidemiology, health inequities, Māori health, Pacific health, co-design methodologies and community-oriented research. This work is co-led by Dr Fiona McKenzie and Associate Professor Mona Jeffreys. Learn more about te rōpu rangahau.