Abstract
Globally, there are around 20 million new cancer diagnoses each year, with cancer accounting for approximately 15% of all deaths. In Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ), cancer diagnoses are projected to increase from 25 700 per year in 2015–2019 to 45 100 per year by 2040–2044, a 76% increase. A cancer diagnosis has a profound and often long-lasting impact on patients and their whānau, extending beyond the treatment period to affect many aspects of daily life. These impacts are not limited to health or quality-of-life (QoL) issues but include multidimensional burdens such as financial strain, social disruption, and psychological stress. Despite widespread recognition of these challenges, we lack a comprehensive way to measure the true impact of cancer, particularly in ways that reflect the lived experiences of patients and their whānau.