Lay summary
Cancer remains the leading cause of illness and death among Māori. Māori have worse survival rates for nearly all cancer types and often have additional health conditions that complicate their treatment and outcomes. Cancer rehabilitation offers a strong evidence base for improving cancer outcomes. Despite the benefits of cancer rehabilitation, current services are not adequately reaching all ethnic groups represented in cancer statistics. Continuing with the current approach may further exacerbate inequity. By analysing the perspectives of health professionals involved in front-line cancer care, this project aims to understand the value and impacts of existing services for Māori, and to explore how these services can be improved to better meet their needs. The project aims to inform and drive meaningful improvements in future cancer rehabilitation service delivery for whānau Māori.