The Cancer Control Council has five key tasks, as outlined in its terms of reference:

• monitor and review implementation of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy
• provide independent strategic advice to the Minister of Health, the Director-General of Health, DHBs and NGOs on matters related to cancer control
• foster collaboration and co-operation between bodies involved in cancer control
• foster and support best practice in, and an evidence-based approach to, improvements in the effectiveness of cancer control
• establish and maintain linkages with overseas cancer control agencies.

This evaluation and monitoring framework describes the Council’s approach to the first key task. Evaluation and monitoring of the Cancer Control Strategy, Action Plan 2005-2010 and cancer control in New Zealand more generally are a core part of the Council’s annual work programme. They will provide the basis for its annual report and inform its independent strategic advice to the Minister of Health.

The Council’s principles for evaluation and monitoring are:

• being independent of providers and funders of services as far as possible
• using available data sources wherever possible, to maximise efficiency, reduce duplication and control compliance burden
• providing timely measurement of progress and outcomes of the implementation of the Cancer Control Strategy.