Research & medical

What is the problem and who is affected?

The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ report, "I'm Still Here", found that there were low rates of total systemic lines of therapy given to women with metastatic or advanced breast cancer. 25% of women received zero lines of treatment, with 55% receiving zero lines of chemotherapy.. The report also found that New Zealand women had poorer survival outcomes, compared to women in equivalent countries.

What is this research hoping to achieve?

Using data from the Breast Cancer Foundation National Register, this study reviewed the treatment of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the Christchurch region. It aimed to establish all treatment modalities used and the survival outcomes of women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, in order to provide a better understanding of current practice for treating women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

Ella was part of the University of Otago, Christchurch, Summer Studentship Programme in 2019/2020.