Skip to main content
  • Corporate
    • Corporate
    • Adviser
    • Get Advice
    • Home Loans
    • Contact Us
    • MyAIA
  • Search
  • Home
  • AIA Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Health Insurance
    • Trauma Insurance
    • Total Permanent Disablement Insurance
    • Income Protection Insurance
    • AIA Starter Plans
    • Business Insurance
    • Rural Insurance
  • AIA Vitality
    • What is AIA Vitality
    • Apple Watch Benefit
    • Our Partners & Rewards
    • Content Hub
    • Already a member? Login
    • AIA Vitality Starter
  • Make a Claim
    • Health Claims
    • Life, Disability, & Critical Conditions (Trauma) Claims
  • About AIA
    • Our Leadership Team
    • Careers
    • Media Centre
    • AIA Thrive
    • Sustainability
    • Code of Conduct​ & Procedures
    • All our locations
    • Becoming an Adviser with AIA New Zealand
  • Help & Support
    • My AIA
    • Update your contact details
    • Contact AIA
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Product Enhancements and Policy Wordings
    • Consumers Price Index (CPI)
    • Vulnerable Customers Support
    • Investment Products
    • Complaints
  • Get Advice
  • Make a claim
  • Home Loans
  • MyAIA
Menu
  • Corporate
  • Adviser
  • Get Advice
  • Home Loans
  • Contact Us
  • MyAIA
AIA New Zealand AIA New Zealand
  • AIA Insurance

    Our insurance products

    The most important things in your life are your family, your lifestyle and your future. This is what life, trauma and disability insurance are there to protect.

    For Individuals

    For Business

    • Life Insurance

      Provides a lump sum payment if you were to pass away or are diagnosed with a terminal illness.

    • Health Insurance

      Explore our health insurance options; choose private health cover or specialised cancer insurance.

    • Trauma Insurance

      Financial support if you or your child become seriously ill or injured.

    • Total Permanent Disablement Insurance

      Provides a lump sum payment if you become permanently disabled and are unable to work due to accident or injury.

    • Income Protection Insurance

      Monthly payment to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury.

    • AIA Starter Plans

      Simple plans you can buy online. Get protected with basic life, rent or mortgage protection.

    • Business Insurance

      Protection for new and existing business owners if a key person becomes seriously ill, is injured, or dies.

    • Rural Insurance

      Financial support if a key person of your farm becomes seriously ill, injured or passes away.

  • AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality encourages and supports you to live a healthier life, while giving you access to great rewards along the way.

    • What is AIA Vitality

      AIA Vitality’s approach can take you on a journey to better health

    • Apple Watch Benefit

      Earn an Apple Watch Series 9 by reaching your weekly physical activity targets

    • Our Partners & Rewards

      Learn more about the amazing partners and rewards you'll have access to with AIA Vitality

    • Content Hub

      Your go to for science-backed, health and wellbeing inspiration and advice.

    • Already a member? Login

      Check your AIA Vitality points status and get access to the tools you need to help improve your health

    • AIA Vitality Starter

      Entry level membership automatically included with all AIA Starter Plans.

  • Make a Claim

    Make a Claim

    • Health Claims

      Make a health insurance claim.

    • Life, Disability, & Critical Conditions (Trauma) Claims

      Make a Life, Disability, or Critical Conditions (Trauma) Claim.

  • About AIA

    About AIA

    AIA Group is one of the largest life insurers in the world, with a presence in 18 markets across Asia Pacific. AIA New Zealand Limited is part of the AIA Group and has been providing insurance to New Zealanders since 1981.

    AIA New Zealand
    • Our Leadership Team

      Get to know our Board of Directors and Executive Team

    • Careers

      Explore opportunities to work at AIA

    • Media Centre

      The latest news from AIA New Zealand

    • AIA Thrive

      AIA Thrive is a network of qualified, experienced advisers helping New Zealanders plan well, so they can live well.

    • Sustainability

      AIA NZ is committed helping build a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Aotearoa NZ.

    • Code of Conduct​ & Procedures

      AIA is committed to continuously improving conduct, culture and customer outcomes.

    • All our locations

      Details of all our office locations across New Zealand

    • Becoming an Adviser with AIA New Zealand

      All you need to know about applying to distribute our products.

  • Help & Support

    Help & Support

    We're here to help! Check out our quick links and digital tools. Still have a question? Get in touch via Live Chat.

    Contact AIA

    Quick Links

    Understanding your policy

    Other useful information

    • My AIA

      View, claim and update your insurance with MyAIA.

    • Update your contact details

      Use this form to update your phone number, email and postal address if you don’t have access to MyAIA.

    • Contact AIA

      Have a question? We’re here to help. Phone, send us a message, or Live Chat during business hours.

    • Frequently asked questions

      Updating policies, moving house, changing names, Covid-19 support... our FAQs section has all the answers and forms.

    • Product Enhancements and Policy Wordings

      Product enhancements and policy wordings for current and closed AIA or Sovereign policies.

    • Consumers Price Index (CPI)

      Find out more about CPI indexation and how it may affect your insurance cover.

    • Vulnerable Customers Support

      A list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help.

    • Investment Products

      The latest AIA investment performance information, as well as a list of closed and terminated investment products.

    • Complaints

      If you have a complaint, we’ll do our best to resolve the situation.

  • Search
  • Contact Us
    • Chat with us

      Available Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm

    • Call Us

      0800 500 108 on Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm

    • Send us a message

      via our online contact form

    • Talk to an adviser

      Get free expert insurance advice

    • Log in to MyAIA

      View, claim and update your insurance

Plan Well
Prev | Next
Contact Us
Talk to an Adviser
Back to Top
  • {{title}}

    {{label}}
  • Preventable cancers and how to lower your risk

    AIA Vitality NZ - 4 min read

    05 April 2023

    Better Lives with AIA VitalityBetter Lives with AIA Vitality
    • Health
    • Lifestyle

    We look at 5 of the most preventable cancers and the steps you can take to reduce your risk. 

    Lower risk of cancer - image of uterus on pink background

    Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and a diagnosis can hit like a bolt from above – unforeseen, random, and regularly chalked up to something beyond our control.

    According to the Ministry of Health NZ, cancer is the country’s single biggest cause of death1. Though not all cancers can be prevented, we all have a part to play in lowering our risk of developing cancer.

    So, what are some of the most preventable types of cancer? And what can you do to lower your risk?

    SKIN

    Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand. Over 90% of skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to the sun and its UV rays which damage skin cells. There are two types of skin cancer – melanoma and non-melanoma2. New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma skin cancer rates in the world, with 6,000 melanoma diagnosis in New Zealand every year3.

    While the survival rate from this type of cancer is high, the focus shouldn't be on beating it, it should be on prevention. Cancer Society NZ guidelines on avoiding skin cancer are:

    • SLIP: Wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible - a shirt with collar, light long sleeves, trousers, or long skirts or shorts. Or keep to the shady areas where possible during key sunshine hours of 10am – 4pm.
    • SLOP: Apply plenty of sunscreen that is water-resistant with at least SPF30 before you head outdoors (at least 20 mins before). Reapply every 2 hours especially after being in water or sweating.
    • SLAP on a hat that will protect your head, neck, face, and ears. A broad-brimmed hat is recommended over a cap.
    • WRAP on some sunglasses that can protect your eyes from UV radiation.

    While we need to protect ourselves year-round, it’s important to remember that from September to April between the hours of 10am – 4pm, UV levels are at their highest, making it even more important to slip, slop, slap, and wrap. If you’re out on the water or in the mountains, the sun can also reflect off the snow, sand, or concrete so make sure to regularly reapply your sunscreen – even in winter4.

    CERVICAL

    Cervical cancer is caused when the cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) grow abnormally. Most cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is one of the most important things you can do to prevent or detect cervical cancer early5. New Zealand has a National Cervical Screening Programme where 25-69 year olds can have the test done at a local GP clinic, women’s health clinic, and other healthcare providers6. If you’re an AIA Vitality member don’t forget to log your appointment for 1,000 AIA Vitality points.

    ORAL AND LUNG

    Lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer-related death in New Zealand as it is often detected too late7. For oral cancers, smoking and alcohol are major contributing factors for cancer in the lip, cheeks, tongue and other sites in the mouth8.

    Research indicates that alcohol and cigarettes, both known carcinogens9, actually work in tandem10 to increase the risk of cancer in your upper digestive tract. Your best bet at reducing your risk of lung and oral cancer is to avoid alcohol or consume less11, and quitting cigarettes12.

    BOWEL

    Bowel cancer is the second more common cancer in New Zealand. A healthy diet and regular exercise can lower your risk of bowel cancer with various studies indicating a diet high in red meat and processed foods will increase your risk13.

    Because our delicate digestive systems are designed to process food, it has the most exposure to anything carcinogenic that you put in your body. For that reason, a healthy diet that is low in processed red meat and high in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and legumes can help prevent bowel cancer14. Find some healthy recipes to try this week.

    GASTRIC

    More than 400 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer every year in New Zealand, with a 5-year survival rate of about 29%15.

    While the exact causes are unknown, strong links are emerging to lifestyle choices such as poor diet and alcohol consumption. One of the main risk factors involved in this type of cancer is obesity.

    A 2019 study found that a lower amount of excess body fat not only lowered the risk of gastrointestinal cancers but reduced the risk of cancer in general – making obesity the second leading cause of cancer following smoking16.

    Cancer is one of the five non-communicable diseases that cause over 90 per cent of deaths in New Zealand. But there’s good news: there are five modifiable behavioural factors that can help lower your risk of acquiring them – find out more here.

    AIA Vitality Member Discounts and Points

    Have you completed your AIA Vitality skin self-examination? It’s a short, guided video that awards you 500 AIA Vitality Points after completion, which goes towards your next AIA Vitality Status. Being proactive with checking your skin allows you to detect any changes early and check in with your GP or health professional. If you’re an AIA Vitality member you can also access 25% off a Mole Map and earn 1,000 points too.

    Book in with your GP for your scheduled health checks to earn the below points:

    Cervical screening = 1,000 points

    Mammogram = 1,000 points

    Colon cancer screening = 1,000 points

    If you’re an AIA Vitality member and you’re looking for support to quit smoking and/or alcohol, you can access Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking programme at no cost and Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Drinking Alcohol at no cost AND earn 500 points. 

    Footnotes:

    1. https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/cancer
    2. https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/skin-cancer
    3. https://melanoma.org.nz/all-about-melanoma/facts-and-risk-factors/
    4. https://www.cancer.org.nz/cancer/reduce-your-risk-of-cancer/sunsmart/
    5. https://www.cancer.org.nz/cancer/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer/
    6. https://www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening/
    7. https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/lung-cancer
    8. https://www.cancer.org.nz/cancer/types-of-cancer/mouth-cancer/
    9. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/environmental-causes
    10. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet#:~:text=may%20be%20indirect.-,How%20does%20the%20combination%20of%20alcohol%20and%20tobacco%20affect%20cancer,either%20alcohol%20or%20tobacco%20alone.
    11. https://www.cancer.org.nz/cancer/reduce-your-risk-of-cancer/no-or-less-alcohol/
    12. https://www.cancer.org.nz/cancer/reduce-your-risk-of-cancer/smokefree/
    13. https://bowelcancernz.org.nz/about-bowel-cancer/early-detection-and-prevention/prevention/
    14. https://www.wcrf.org/diet-activity-and-cancer/risk-factors/wholegrains-vegetables-fruit-and-cancer-risk/
    15. https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/stomach-cancer/#:~:text=NZ%20Statistics,from%20the%20disease.
    16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6744518/
    • Explore Content Hub
    • What is AIA Vitality?
    • Explore our Products
    • Get a quick quote
    • Talk to an adviser
      Talk to an Adviser
    • Apply online

    Article by: AIA Vitality Staff Writer

    Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday New Zealanders live healthier, longer, better lives. 

     

    Disclaimer: The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.


    This content is brought to you by AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality is a science-backed health and wellbeing programme that provides the guidance, tools, and rewards to get more out of life so you can start thriving.

    Find out more on AIA Vitality.

    FOLLOW


    You might like these

    26 August 2021

    Better Lives with AIA Vitality: How Leah swapped smoking for running, one step at a time

    AIA Vitality NZ - 5 min read


    Leah put down cigarettes and picked up running. Here’s how AIA Vitality helps her stay motivated with every step.

    09 June 2020

    For the love of guts, here are some easy tips for great bowel health

    AIA Vitality NZ - 5 min read


    Unsurprisingly, the food you eat plays a huge role in good bowel and gut health.

    11 November 2022

    Better Lives with AIA Vitality: How a MoleMap saved Lauren’s skin

    AIA Vitality NZ - 5 min read


    Learn how a MoleMap check helped identify a suspicious spot for this AIA Vitality member.
    Contact Us

    Live Chat

    Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm

    0800 500 108

    Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm

    Postal address

    AIA New Zealand Limited
    Private Bag 92499
    Victoria St West
    Auckland 1142

    View all contact options
    CONTACT US

    Live Chat

    Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm

    0800 500 108

    Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm
    AIA House, 74 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
    View all contact options
    Company
    About AIA New Zealand
    Careers
    News and Press
    Anti-bribery and corruption
    Our Financial Strength
    Environmental Social Governance
    Rainbow Tick Gender Tick
    Toitū carbonreduce certified
    Visit AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    Quick Links
    AIA Vitality
    Airpoints™
    Our Financial Strength
    Our Commitments
    Our Products

    Life Insurance

    Health Insurance

    Income Protection Insurance

    Business Continuity Cover

    AIA Starter Plans

    GO Home Loans

    Get Advice

    Company
    About AIA New Zealand
    Careers
    News and Press
    Anti-bribery and corruption
    Our Financial Strength
    Environmental Social Governance
    Rainbow Tick Gender Tick
    Toitū carbonreduce certified
    Visit AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    Quick links

    AIA Vitality

    Airpoints™

    Home Loans: GO Online login

    MyAIA login

    Investment Products

    Past Insurance Products

    Make a Claim

    FAQs

    Our products

    Life Insurance

    Health Insurance

    Income Protection Insurance

    Business Continuity Cover

    AIA Starter Plans

    GO Home Loans

    Get Advice


    Copyright © 2023, AIA New Zealand Limited (Company Registration No: 352806), and its affiliates and subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
    Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy | Duty of Disclosure
    Thank you

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    You can expect a response from us within the next 5 - 7 business days depending on the type of query.

    If you need to hear from us sooner, here are some alternative ways you can contact us or find what you're looking for:

    • Contact an AIA Customer Service Consultant on Live Chat, or
    • Call us on 0800 500 108 (or +64 9 487 9963 if calling from overseas).
      The team is available from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
    • For a quick way to confirm your cover, you may be eligible to use MyAIA to view a summary of your policy.