Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
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.’
Press release
03 February 2021
NZ’s five-year survival goal not good enough, says Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
Today’s World Health Organisation announcement that breast cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide is a timely reminder that cancer should be top of the Ministry of Health’s investment priorities.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
January 2021
Breast cancer research gets $700,000 boost, the National Register reaches full coverage in New Zealand, plus the launch of our SBS Pink Ribbon Visa!
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
December 2020
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ wishes you a Meri Kirihimete, information about our nursing hours and find your community on mybc.
News
15 October 2020
“Get your mammogram so other mokopuna can have more time with their kuia”
Stacey Morrison’s 7-year-old daughter Maiana is urging Kiwi women to go for regular mammograms, as part of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s annual awareness-raising campaign.
News
13 October 2020
Pharmac review a chance to end agonisingly slow drug approval process
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is calling on the next government to end the unfair and outdated evaluation process that means Kiwis with terminal breast cancer wait years longer for the latest drugs,.
News
01 October 2020
10 ways to make the most of October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here's how you can get involved this month...
Press release
01 October 2020
Sarah Gandy launches Change & Check campaign, as new survey reveals “worrying” breast cancer findings
Broadcaster Sarah Gandy has joined forces with Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to launch the Change & Check campaign.
News
29 September 2020
Auckland turns pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Queen Street Lights will be lighting up pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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
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.
Press release
06 May 2020
“I’d never heard of a mammogram”: Pink Caravan spreads the word
The Pink Caravan's tour was shortened due to COVID-19. However, it had already made a huge impact. In Dunedin, one visitor told the caravan nurses, “Until now, I’d never heard of a mammogram.” She was 47 years old.
Press release
06 May 2020
Webinars pull in the viewers
In the last six months, BCFNZ webinars have focused on topics such as breast reconstruction, managing the side effects of treatment, what to expect after a diagnosis and dealing with DCIS. In total, 1016 people have signed up to watch our webinars live over that time and 844 people have watched our webinar videos at a later date.
Blog
11 March 2020
What's the deal with DCIS?
There can be some confusion surrounding DCIS. Here's what you should know...
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.