Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
Press release
30 March 2022
Breast cancer diagnoses are not “keeping pace with what we’ve seen in the past”
The Prime Minister has claimed levels of cancer diagnoses appear to have “recovered” after being impacted by Covid lockdowns over the last two years. We disagree.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
March 2022
We’ve asked the Government for $15m to clear the mammogram backlog, welcomed our new breast oncology nurse in Christchurch, and will be hosting our first webinar of 2022 next week.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
February 2022
Our latest report reveals how well NZ is doing in tackling breast cancer, we announce this year's recipients of our two Research Fellowships and update you on our Missing Women campaign.
Press release
09 December 2021
10,600 New Zealanders call for urgent action on breast screening
We've delivered our Missing Women petition to ACT's Brooke van Velden. More than 10,600 people signed it, calling for the Government to make sure women can access life-saving mammograms.
Press release
14 October 2021
133 MISSING WOMEN: Breast cancer cases going undetected because of Covid-19
At least 133 women across Aotearoa New Zealand have no idea they have breast cancer right now, warns Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Take action by signing our petition!
Blog
11 October 2021
Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and a big new job: Melanie’s story
Melanie Webber was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020, at the age of 45. She had found a lump in her right breast, but it turned out the cancer was in her left breast. Although she was going through treatment just as she was starting a new job, having a supportive employer meant that she could take the time she needed for her recovery.
News
07 October 2021
CANGO urges Government: Stop “shrugging your shoulders” at cancer deaths
CANGO (Cancer Non-Governmental Organisations) urges Government: Stop “shrugging your shoulders” at cancer deaths
Press release
03 October 2021
Wāhine toa star in new breast cancer campaign using the power of poetry
Spoken word poets Ngā Hinepūkōrero have teamed up with Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to release a new poem highlighting the importance of mammograms this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Press release
29 September 2021
New Zealand turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
More than 30 landmarks and prominent buildings across Aotearoa New Zealand are lighting up in pink this October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Blog
24 September 2021
Promoting breast awareness for a healthy and happy workplace
Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, explains why promoting breast health awareness in the workplace is a wellness programme every employer should implement.
Blog
20 September 2021
Breast cancer, work and you
Natalie James, lead nurse at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, addresses some common concerns about how a breast cancer diagnosis might impact your work.
Press release
09 May 2021
New funding for breast screening programme an "excellent step forward"
The Government has announced a $55.6 million upgrade for the national breast screening programme's IT system, which means more women should be able to access free mammograms.
News
04 May 2021
A hot new way to help fight breast cancer
Now supporting BCFNZ has never been easier, with the launch of our very own SBS Pink Ribbon Visa.
News
04 May 2021
National Register reaches 100% coverage
In 2020 we began the expansion of the Breast Cancer Foundation National Register, after consolidating four regional registers (Auckland, Waikato, Wellington & Christchurch) which covered two-thirds of the country’s DHB regions. By the start of 2021 all DHBs had signed up.
News
04 May 2021
“Breast cancer touches so many Kiwi women, that’s why it’s such an important cause to support”
Monika Naidu has watched two family members and a close friend go through breast cancer. Seeing the
suffering caused by the disease is what prompted Monika to act. She and her husband Daven recently hosted
a lunch at their restaurant – Auckland’s Chancery Bistro – which raised an incredible $11,255 for BCFNZ.
News
04 May 2021
Vital patient support provided when it was needed the most
After launching our Christmas Appeal we received an overwhelming response – we’ve raised more than
$115,000 to keep our support services running. These vital funds mean we can keep being there for breast
cancer patients when they need us most.
News
04 May 2021
Jackie Klouwens’ lasting legacy – a bequest that means so much
Kim’s favourite memories of her mum Jackie centre around how compassionate and loving she was.
News
04 May 2021
Save your life in the time it takes to get changed
Radio personality and newest BCFNZ Ambassador, Sarah Gandy, has a simple message for Kiwi women:
“Saving your life can be as easy as checking your breasts in the time it takes to get changed.”
News
04 May 2021
“I just want to make sure I’m here for my greatgrandchildren"
Claudine Thompson had signed up for mammograms as soon as she qualified for them. They had always come back clear, until her last free mammogram in 2018 showed a tiny lump in her left breast.
Blog
24 March 2021
Your body clock and breast cancer risk
Our body clocks underpin our daily routines, from when we wake to when we sleep. And new research is exploring whether these circadian rhythms could protect us against breast cancer...
Blog
03 March 2021
Your guide to ‘going flat’ after breast cancer
A new survey found that many women who choose to go flat after breast cancer surgery after satisfied with their choice. We take a look at what going flat means and why many women prefer it.
Press release
02 March 2021
Pharmac review doesn’t go far enough
The Government has announced it will conduct an independent review into Pharmac. We're disappointed that it doesn't go far enough - without increased funding, NZ will continue to lag behind when it comes to accessing new drugs.
News
18 February 2021
New advice issued to women about Covid-19 vaccinations and mammograms
Ahead of New Zealand’s roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urging Kiwi women not to delay their mammograms, as reports suggest a possible side effect of the vaccine may mimic breast cancer symptoms.
News
04 February 2021
Don’t delay cancer checks this World Cancer Day
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is teaming up with health organisations around New Zealand to spread the message: ‘Don’t wait. Contact your doctor. Get checked.’