Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
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.
Press release
25 July 2019
Queenstown locals to learn from top breast cancer experts
Top breast cancer surgeons are heading to Queenstown to share their knowledge with local patients, health professionals and the public at a free event held by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ on August 9.
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?
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.
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
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...
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.
Press release
01 October 2018
Stacey Morrison urges Māori women to sign up for breast screening
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ ambassador Stacey Morrison has just had her first free mammogram with BreastScreen Aotearoa. Now, she’s urging Kiwi women – especially Māori – to enrol for free breast screening this October.
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
13 June 2018
Mammogram myth busting
10 common mammogram myths busted!
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.
Press release
10 May 2018
Bump or lump? Be breast aware this sport season
Bumps and bruises are part of the game, but beware: your injury could be hiding something more serious.
Press release
08 February 2018
Hypnotism a hit at Public Education Day
At the end of last year, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ hosted a free public education day themed ‘From Research to Reality’.
Press release
04 February 2018
World Cancer Day: unfortunate words - or silence - add pain to breast cancer diagnosis
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ) has released a video featuring funny ladies Urzila Carlson and Jackie Clarke acting out an awkward conversation between a newly-diagnosed breast cancer patient and her friend.
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.
Press release
25 October 2017
Extension of breast screening programme will “certainly save lives” – Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
A huge thanks to everyone who signed our petition last year to extend free breast screening for women between 70 and 74.
Press release
24 October 2017
Art Gallery hosts artworks - plus models - from this month's campaign
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s striking art-inspired awareness campaign is coming full circle this weekend.
Press release
24 October 2017
LGBTIQ+ breast cancer info now available
The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ website now has a section dedicated to the LGBTIQ+ community.
Press release
16 October 2017
Third time lucky for Pink Caravan
First it was stopped by an earthquake, then a cyclone, but this time the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ hopes its Pink Caravan will make it to Levin and Palmerston North.
Press release
04 October 2017
Reduce your alcohol intake in October – make your next drink a mocktail!
October is breast cancer awareness month – and to celebrate, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ challenged top Auckland bartender Darren Miley to create three delicious alternatives to your usual alcohol-infused tipple.
Press release
03 October 2017
Centuries on, ancient canvas prompts breast cancer awareness
Four hundred years ago, a young woman named Hendrickje Stoffels posed naked for her lover, Rembrandt.