On Monday evening, around 30 people gathered to hear Dr Kate Gregory, Nelson Hospital Oncologist and Co-Medical Director of the Cancer Society, present on recent developments in breast and gynaecological cancer care.
The audience included people facing cancer, volunteers, and local health and community professionals – all eager to learn about the latest advances in diagnosis, testing, and treatment.
Dr Gregory shared insights into genome testing, which is enabling more personalised and targeted therapies, as well as promising new immunotherapies that are improving outcomes for patients.
She also discussed UK research showing that the HPV vaccine has reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by an impressive 78%, highlighting the potential to eliminate this cancer entirely. However, Dr Gregory noted that one of New Zealand’s key challenges is increasing HPV vaccination rates among young people to reach 90% coverage. HPV is responsible for 95% of cervical cancers, as well as some anal and head and neck cancers.
We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Gregory for generously giving her time to share her knowledge and expertise with our community.
