Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
News
08 September 2020
Free GP visits for terminally-ill patients: Making your voices heard in Wellington
In July we were invited to present our petition, signed by thousands of you, in front of the Health Select Committee. We made the case that all advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients should automatically be able to see their GP for free.
News
08 September 2020
“I lost my own mum to breast cancer, now I help others”
Earlier this year we welcomed Judith Beattie to our team of specialist breast care nurses.
News
08 September 2020
Celebrating 20 years of being cancer-free
Vicky Newman, a mum of two from Kaukapakapa, was just 34 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She had a mastectomy and chemotherapy, but less than a year later, Vicky learnt the cancer had returned in her neck.
News
31 August 2020
Thousands host Pink Ribbon Breakfast in July
The COVID-19 lockdown forced us to postpone Pink Ribbon Breakfast this year, but we were so excited to be able to go ahead in July. To date, we’ve had 1,700 wonderful people organise and host their own Pink Ribbon Breakfast, and over $700,000 has been raised.
News
10 June 2020
COVID-19 must not be an excuse to scupper plans for early access to cancer drugs
Breast Cancer Foundation says Government must not break its promise to develop an early access programme for new cancer medicines, following two promising trial results for advanced breast cancer.
News
10 May 2020
“Don’t back away from cancer plan,” Breast Cancer Foundation begs
“Don’t use COVID-19 as an excuse to back away from your commitment to cancer patients,” Breast Cancer Foundation NZ begged the Government, in response to today’s announcement of an additional $160m over four years for Pharmac to secure the supply of approved medicines.
News
05 March 2020
“New Zealand is now on the right path”: World-leading oncologist lauds funding announcement
Pharmac’s confirmation that life-extending new drug Ibrance will be funded from April 1 for Kiwis with advanced breast cancer (ABC) has drawn praise from Dr Fatima Cardoso.
News
05 February 2020
BCFNZ responds to proposed funding of palbociclib for advanced breast cancer
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has given feedback on the proposed funding of palbociclib for advanced breast cancer.
News
15 January 2020
“We’re ecstatic”: Breast Cancer Foundation responds to new drug funding announcement
Pharmac’s announcement this morning that it aims to fund Ibrance for Kiwis with advanced breast cancer from April 2020 is wonderful news.
News
04 November 2019
“Blood test for breast cancer” greatly exaggerated, says Breast Cancer Foundation
Reports of a blood test that “could detect breast cancer up to five years before there are any signs of it” are greatly exaggerated.
News
13 October 2019
ABC problems “still here”, but there are signs of progress
One year after I’m Still Here – the investigation into advanced breast cancer care in New Zealand that shocked doctors and patients alike – there are signs of improvement.
News
07 October 2019
Capital’s bikers gear up for breast cancer
Hundreds of “pinked out” motorbikes, from scooters to hogs and trikes, are expected to take part in the annual Wellington Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride this Sunday.
News
07 October 2019
Pharmac Kadcyla funding confirmed; Breast Cancer Foundation welcomes less restricted access
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has applauded Pharmac’s confirmation today that it will fund Kadcyla for Kiwis with HER2+ advanced breast cancer (ABC) from December 1.
News
01 September 2019
Thumbs-Up for government's cancer announcements
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has given an overall thumbs-up to today’s spate of cancer-related announcements from the Ministry of Health and PHARMAC
News
22 August 2019
Patients pulling together for change
People with advanced breast cancer who speak publicly about their desperate plights are heroes.
News
04 August 2019
Do the latest Pharmac minutes mean new hope for Kiwis with ABC?
Pharmac's cancer treatments subcommittee has recommended CDK4/6 inhibitors (e.g. palbociclib / ribociclib) with a HIGH priority for funding.
News
09 May 2019
Early access proposal welcomed, but tough questions need answers
Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Evangelia Henderson welcomed the news that Pharmac is working with the Ministry of Health to consider a scheme that would offer faster access to drugs for Kiwi cancer patients.
News
16 October 2018
Lack of funding “height of cruelty” – Breast Cancer Foundation
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s chief executive Evangelia Henderson describes the lack of funding for drugs that extend the lives of advanced breast cancer patients as heartless and cruel. “Why do people have to set up a Givealittle page, or worse, sell their house, to access these drugs?” says Mrs Henderson. Her comments come on the day two petitions are presented on the steps of Parliament, demanding funding for palbociclib (Ibrance) and Kadcyla.
News
02 October 2018
Wellington will be the pinkest city in New Zealand!
The coolest little capital in the world will be lighting up pink this October. Landmarks and sculptures along the Wellington Waterfront will be turning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
News
25 June 2018
Action needed on Maori and PI breast cancer vulnerabilities
A large NZ study has confirmed the need for immediate action to improve survival for Maori and Pacific Island people with breast cancer, and the importance of mammograms in finding cancer early
News
09 June 2018
Here’s the evidence – time to play fair, Breast Cancer Foundation tells Pharmac
In light of new clinical trial results, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urging Pharmac to consider giving life-extending drug Perjeta to patients who’ve been missing out due to an earlier decision that the Foundation labelled unfair.
News
08 December 2017
New study vindicates controversial “12 months Herceptin” for breast cancer
A new study released overnight has finally settled the question of whether Kiwis with HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer should receive nine weeks or 12 months of the drug Herceptin.
News
31 October 2017
Breast cancer experts share knowledge at free public seminar
The effectiveness of vitamin C in cancer treatment, benefits of self-hypnosis and the prospect of personalised medicine will be among topics discussed at a free public seminar as part of the NZ Breast Cancer Symposium on Sunday November 12th.
News
13 October 2017
Capital’s bikers ride for breast cancer
Hundreds of “pinked out” motorbikes, from 50cc scooters to 2000cc Harley Davidson and Suzuki cruisers, are expected to take part in the Women’s International Motorcycle Association’s (WIMA) annual Wellington Pink Ribbon Ride this Sunday October 15, raising funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.