A sum of almost three million has been given to three cancer research projects. One Auckland University team that is studying patient outcomes from colorectal cancer is being given $ one million and another team studying prostate cancer screening programs at the Waikato Clinical School was awarded $ 900,000.

The third share, a sum of $ 800,000, was given to Massey University scientists to look at more efficient palliative care for cancer patients.

This fund is effective for the next three years. Health Minister Tony Ryall, who announced the grant, said, "This research will build our knowledge of the incidence and impact of these particular cancers in New Zealand, and how health professionals from primary care through to specialists work together delivering treatment.”

This move should help promote the much needed research in treatment for these cancers.

Although critics say current screening methods may not be as effective, as thought, in treatment of cancer it however does help in detecting cancer in whatever percentage it does. The purpose of the funding is aimed at finding better ways of screening and treating cancer.

Studies conducted by the US Preventive Services Task Force have revealed that routine PSA (prostate specific antigen) may not successfully save lives. Similarly, a study by Dartmouth College questioned the efficiency of mammograms to fight breast cancer.

Experts fear that screening drives could end up in a situation of over diagnosis and over treatment. Sometimes the disease is not as bad as having to undergo the treatment.