News & updates • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

News & updates

Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.

Press release
NZ’s five-year survival goal not good enough, says Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
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

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

December 2020

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ wishes you a Meri Kirihimete, information about our nursing hours and find your community on mybc.
News
“Get your mammogram so other mokopuna can have more time with their kuia”
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
Pharmac review a chance to end agonisingly slow drug approval process
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Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is calling on the next government to end the unfair and outdated evaluation process that means Kiwis with terminal breast cancer wait years longer for the latest drugs,.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
10 ways to make the most of October
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
Sarah Gandy launches Change & Check campaign, as new survey reveals “worrying” breast cancer findings
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
Auckland turns pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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
Free GP visits for terminally-ill patients: Making your voices heard in Wellington
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
“I lost my own mum to breast cancer, now I help others”
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
Celebrating 20 years of being cancer-free
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
COVID-19 must not be an excuse to scupper plans for early access to cancer drugs
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
“Don’t back away from cancer plan,” Breast Cancer Foundation begs
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
“I’d never heard of a mammogram”: Pink Caravan spreads the word 
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
Webinars pull in the viewers
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
What's the deal with DCIS?
11 March 2020

What's the deal with DCIS?

There can be some confusion surrounding DCIS. Here's what you should know...
News
“New Zealand is now on the right path”: World-leading oncologist lauds funding announcement
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
BCFNZ responds to proposed funding of palbociclib for advanced breast cancer
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
“We’re ecstatic”: Breast Cancer Foundation responds to new drug funding announcement
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
ABC problems “still here”, but there are signs of progress
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
Pharmac Kadcyla funding confirmed; Breast Cancer Foundation welcomes less restricted access
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.
Blog
Everyone can be breast aware
07 October 2019

Everyone can be breast aware

With the news that Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, was treated for breast cancer earlier this year, it’s a timely reminder that men need to be breast aware too.
Press release
New Breast Cancer Foundation app puts power in Kiwi women’s hands
01 October 2019

New Breast Cancer Foundation app puts power in Kiwi women’s hands

Pre Check, an innovative app from Breast Cancer Foundation NZ – launched to mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month – will take women into a whole new world of breast health awareness.