Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
Blog
15 August 2019
Exercise – an important piece of the breast cancer puzzle
Exercise can often be the last thing on your mind when you’re going through breast cancer. But an increasing number of studies show that physical activity can help reduce breast cancer recurrence or death among survivors.
Blog
07 August 2019
Aarti’s story
I don’t have any risk factors - there is no family history, I don’t smoke, I maintain a fairly healthy lifestyle and breastfed both my babies. I was quite complacent in my thinking that I could get other cancers but that I would never get breast cancer - I didn’t fit the criteria at all.
Blog
22 July 2019
Why is New Zealand so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to publicly funded access to medicine?
We spend 55% less than the OECD average on medicine and rank last of 20 OECD countries for market access to modern medicines.
Pharmac prides itself on its negotiation skills and cost-effectiveness - but where is this leaving Kiwi cancer patients?
Blog
04 July 2019
What about breast density?
Breast density is a bit of hot topic in breast cancer conversation. You may have recently heard that in the USA it’s now mandatory to notify women about their breast density when they receive their mammogram result. But, what does density have to do with your risk of breast cancer and how do you know if you have dense breasts in the first place?
Blog
05 June 2019
10 things I need to know about chemotherapy
What you need to know as you prepare for your chemotherapy.
Blog
20 May 2019
A meeting with BCFNZ Clinical Research Coordinator Eibhlin Corrigan
BCFNZ funds Eibhlin's role of Clinical Research Coordinator, she will be working to increase the number of breast cancer patients on clinical trials.
Blog
09 May 2019
The importance of ‘me-time’ after a breast cancer diagnosis
After a breast cancer diagnosis life can be a whirlwind of appointments, tests and treatments. During this time, it can be hard to find a moment to breathe and process, but, it's important that you do give yourself time to stop.
Blog
29 April 2019
Breast Cancer and the Immune System
Our immune system is pretty good at protecting us from harm. So why does it struggle to recognise and tackle breast cancer?
Blog
17 April 2019
What should I know about Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
Find out more about inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and hear from Lucie Kodouskova, diagnosed with IBC at 33.
Blog
15 March 2019
Trial & Error
What is it like to be on a breast cancer clinical trial? Michelle shares her story!
Blog
06 March 2019
Why is lymphoedema therapy so important?
We chat to Claire Boyce, lymphoedema therapist, about why lymphoedema treatment is so vital to people's well-being.
Blog
27 February 2019
10 top breast cancer research projects!
Find out about the research we are currently funding here at BCF!
Blog
19 February 2019
What is a biosimilar and how does it affect you?
We all know that cancer drugs cost a fortune, but did you know there could be cheaper alternatives?
Blog
16 January 2019
Liquid biopsies – the future of breast cancer detection and treatment?
Researchers are constantly trying to find quicker, more accurate and easier ways to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage. The liquid biopsy could have the potential to improve breast cancer detection as well as making sure patients are given the right treatments.
Blog
15 December 2018
How to spend your Kiwi New Year
If you’ve been through breast cancer, planning how you’re going to spend New Year might be at the bottom of your priority list. We’ve put together a list of ideas to minimise stress this year!
Blog
06 December 2018
How to do YOU this festive season!
With the festive season fast approaching things can seem daunting – especially if you are living with breast cancer, have recently been diagnosed, or are on the road to recovery. So, this year it’s time to sit back, relax, and do YOU.
Blog
10 November 2018
Words of wisdom from lead radiologist Dr Monica Saini
We talk to Dr Monica Saini - lead radiologist at Hutt Valley DHB.
Blog
17 October 2018
October is...
October is international breast cancer awareness month.
A stark reminder that breast cancer is still the most common cancer in women worldwide...
Blog
24 September 2018
What do I need to know about the genetic risk of breast cancer?
Inherited risk accounts for around 10% of all diagnosed breast cancers. If you do find that you’re at a higher risk of breast cancer you can take precautionary actions which are likely to prevent breast cancer from developing.
Blog
10 September 2018
Why dragon boating should be your next sport
We chat to Bette Cosgrove about the sport that’s given her a team of feisty, determined women to stay fit and have fun with.
Blog
17 August 2018
How does a clinical trial benefit me?
Every licensed drug in the world has been through a clinical trial - from ibuprofen to morphine. But why do drugs need to go through such a stringent testing process and what benefit does a clinical trial have for a breast cancer patient?
Blog
27 July 2018
Pink Ribbon Trek Team '18: Great Wall of China
In May, 26 women and one man took on the iconic Great Wall of China, raising over $150,000 for BCFNZ. Blisters, sore bodies and fluctuating emotions were part of the journey. This is their story.
Blog
03 July 2018
The Future of Breast Cancer Treatment: Personalised Medicine
How amazing would it be if your breast cancer treatment was tailored to you? It’s actually already started - from genetic screening to immunotherapy. The field of personalised medicine is growing and it’s very promising.
Blog
21 June 2018
Cathy shares her story
What is special about my story? I’m only one of thousands of women who have survived breast cancer, so what makes my journey worth telling?