What the expansion of cancer infusion services means for people with breast cancer

The Government has announced a nationwide expansion of community infusion services is underway, which will result in thousands more New Zealanders being able to access cancer treatment closer to home.

We’ve welcomed this move as a positive and practical step forward, because quick access to effective treatment has a direct impact on breast cancer survival. Bringing infusion services closer to where people live will make treatment easier to access, especially for those who need regular, ongoing care over many months.

For many people with breast cancer, treatment isn’t a one-off appointment. It can involve repeated hospital visits, long travel times, and hours spent in infusion chairs. Being able to access care closer to home means less time on the road and more time with whānau, while also reducing disruption to work, childcare, and everyday life during an already difficult period.

But access to timely treatment is still uneven

While this investment is positive, it’s important to recognise that not everyone is currently getting timely access to treatment.

Across the country, there is wide variation in how quickly people start treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis. Only around 22% to 60% of patients begin treatment within 28 days, depending on where they live. That level of inconsistency is concerning and highlights ongoing pressure on cancer services.

Closing this gap will require continued focus on workforce, infrastructure, and smarter ways of delivering care so that everyone can access treatment quickly, regardless of location.

Looking beyond infusion: faster, more flexible treatment options

Alongside expanding infusion services, there is also an opportunity to modernise how some breast cancer treatments are delivered.

Many newer therapies can now be given as a simple injection under the skin (subcutaneous), rather than requiring hours connected to an IV drip. These treatments can take just minutes, and in some cases may even be given outside of hospital settings.

Expanding access to these options would make treatment quicker and easier for patients, while also freeing up infusion chairs and reducing pressure on busy oncology teams.

A chance to take a more joined-up approach

Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. But to truly improve outcomes for people with breast cancer, we need a more joined-up approach – one that not only expands services, but also tackles delays, reduces regional inequities, and embraces more flexible models of care.

Done well, this could significantly improve both the experience of treatment and outcomes for people with breast cancer across Aotearoa.