Lay summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Pacific women in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet survival outcomes are far worse compared with other women. Pacific women are often diagnosed younger, at later stages, and face greater delays in treatment. These inequities are driven by barriers such as limited access to screening, financial pressures, stigma, and a lack of culturally safe care. As a result, Pacific women are nearly twice as likely to die from breast cancer, and the cost of late-stage treatment places additional pressure on families and the health system. This project will combine data analysis, lived experience research, and community-led co-design to create practical, culturally tailored solutions. By piloting interventions such as navigation support and community-based screening promotion, we aim to improve early detection and treatment timeliness. The outcomes will save lives, reduce costs, and strengthen equitable cancer care for Pacific communities.