Abstract
Aim: Cancer prevention and early detection are central to reducing cancer incidence, inequities and avoidable mortality in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study examined public support for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination policies, equitable cancer screening programmes and willingness to pay more tax for healthcare funding.
Methods: A nationally representative, cross-sectional online survey of adults aged 18 years or older was conducted in November-December 2025 using quota sampling with oversampling of Māori and Pacific people. Participants reported support for two HPV vaccination policies (single-dose scheduling and increased public investment), two screening policies (free cervical screening and targeted lung cancer screening) and willingness to pay more tax for increased healthcare funding. Weighted analyses were conducted overall and by demographic characteristics and voting intention.
Results: We received a total of 1,635 responses, including 385 participants identifying as Māori (23.5%, unweighted) and 368 participants identifying as Pacific peoples (22.5%, unweighted) following oversampling of these groups of particular interest. Population estimates for support were high for all policies, including single-dose HPV vaccination (77.5%), increased HPV vaccination investment (80.3%), free cervical screening (93.4%) and targeted lung cancer screening (93.3%). Majority support was observed across demographic and political groups. Most people (62.3%) were willing to pay more tax to increase healthcare funding.
Conclusion: There is strong public support for HPV vaccination and screening for cervical and lung cancers. Furthermore, the majority of the Aotearoa New Zealanders are willing to pay more tax to increase healthcare funding. This indicates a clear public mandate to governments for action.