Physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping people regain, maintain, and maximise physical function and wellbeing following a cancer diagnosis. Exercise, a key component of physiotherapy-led cancer rehabilitation, has been shown to improve both disease-free and overall survival. Despite these benefits, access to physiotherapy services remains inconsistent across Aotearoa, with Māori continuing to experience inequitable access to care.

This project explored how physiotherapy-led cancer rehabilitation could better support Māori with matepukupuku (cancer). Using interviews with health sector leaders and a focus group of physiotherapists with expertise in oncology rehabilitation and Māori health, the study identified current strengths, barriers to access, and opportunities to strengthen rehabilitation services.

The findings highlight the importance of embedding physiotherapy throughout the cancer continuum, increasing awareness of its role, strengthening culturally safe and mana-enhancing care, improving access to community-based rehabilitation, and supporting stronger interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants also identified opportunities to strengthen the Māori physiotherapy workforce and develop sustainable, equitable rehabilitation pathways.

The project proposes an equity-informed approach to physiotherapy cancer rehabilitation that can help guide future service development, policy, and research. The findings provide practical recommendations to improve equitable access to rehabilitation and support better survivorship outcomes for Māori living with and beyond cancer.