Jackie Blue MP
National Party Associate Health Spokeswoman
18 December 2007
New cancer think tank welcomed
National’s Associate Health spokesman Jackie Blue is welcoming the launch of the Cancer Standards Institute (CSI), a
charitable trust with the aim of providing independent advice on cancer issues such as screening, treatment and
research.
The members of CSI, all respected cancer experts, are calling on the Ministry of Health to withdraw the outdated
prostate cancer screening guidelines.
“Without clear, accurate, independent information on this high profile and common cancer there continues to be
confusion, which leads to a whole myriad of different clinical practices throughout the country.
“This new group is backing what National has been saying for the past two years.”
Dr Blue believes it is important that New Zealand has a standalone cancer ‘think tank’ which operates independently of
the Government.
“If it had been in existence earlier, I’m sure it would have almost certainly reviewed the Herceptin trial data, prior
to Pharmac backing an unproven nine-week regimen.
“I expect this organisation will become an influential voice on all important cancer issues.
“When they have something to say, the decision makers should take notice.”
ENDS