Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
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.
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.
News
02 October 2018
Wellington will be the pinkest city in New Zealand!
The coolest little capital in the world will be lighting up pink this October. Landmarks and sculptures along the Wellington Waterfront will be turning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
News
25 June 2018
Action needed on Maori and PI breast cancer vulnerabilities
A large NZ study has confirmed the need for immediate action to improve survival for Maori and Pacific Island people with breast cancer, and the importance of mammograms in finding cancer early
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.
News
08 December 2017
New study vindicates controversial “12 months Herceptin” for breast cancer
A new study released overnight has finally settled the question of whether Kiwis with HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer should receive nine weeks or 12 months of the drug Herceptin.
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.
News
13 October 2017
Capital’s bikers ride for breast cancer
Hundreds of “pinked out” motorbikes, from 50cc scooters to 2000cc Harley Davidson and Suzuki cruisers, are expected to take part in the Women’s International Motorcycle Association’s (WIMA) annual Wellington Pink Ribbon Ride this Sunday October 15, raising funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
News
29 September 2017
Switching on pink lights to raise awareness about breast cancer
The 1st of October marked the first day of breast cancer awareness month, with different landmarks around New Zealand taking part in the international Global Illumination Campaign.
News
21 September 2017
Meet Blake - Vivian and Clinton's wee man
You might recognise Vivian Gubb and her husband Clint (left), from our February 2016 appeal. Touched by Vivian’s story of being diagnosed after just one year of marriage, you gave generously.
News
10 August 2017
“More drugs and equal access for all,” Breast Cancer Foundation tells politicians
Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Evangelia Henderson joined with other NZ cancer bosses in Wellington last night to ask our political parties how they plan to improve support and treatments for cancer patients.
News
29 April 2017
Jump for Cancer
A huge thanks to Lisa Tennekoon whose horse jumping event, Jump for Cancer Hagley, raised $5,000 for BCFNZ last month.
News
04 February 2017
Male breast cancer more common than penis cancer, boating deaths and meningitis; even car thefts come close
Kiwi men might be missing a beat when it comes to health and lifestyle priorities this World Cancer Day (Feb 4), says the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation: male breast cancer is more common in men aged 50-plus than two dreaded diseases, cancer of the penis and meningitis.
News
05 December 2016
Good news / bad news – Pharmac’s new drug deal a bitter pill for 160 long-suffering patients
Pharmac’s decision to fund pertuzumab (trade name Perjeta) from January 2017 for New Zealanders with advanced (metastatic) HER2+ breast cancer will be good news for patients diagnosed from the New Year onwards, but is a bitter pill for the 160 Kiwis who have been deprived of this significantly life-extending drug so far and now appear to be shut out of the new agreement.
News
17 February 2016
Lower threshold means more Kiwi women will qualify for BRCA test
The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation congratulates Genetic Health Service NZ on its decision to lower the threshold for BRCA testing to people with an estimated 10% chance of having a BRCA gene mutation.
News
14 December 2015
Mammograms save Kiwi lives – it’s official
The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation says new research released today by BreastScreen Aotearoa should give Kiwi women confidence that our mammogram screening programme is the best way to find breast cancer early and to save lives.
News
01 October 2015
Pink light for breast cancer – NZ landmarks light up
Landmark buildings around New Zealand will light up pink from tomorrow, October 1, in support of Breast Cancer Month.
News
29 September 2015
New NZ research focuses on Vitamin C and breast cancer
A new research study will analyse the level of vitamin C in breast tumours, and compare health outcomes for patients with different levels of the vitamin.
News
23 September 2015
Breast cancer campaigner Helena McAlpine dies, age 37
Staff and friends of the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation are mourning the loss of Helena McAlpine, who campaigned through her own long and often gruelling battle with breast cancer to help save other women.
News
26 May 2015
Total cost of private access to Perjeta cheaper for Auckland women
Access to Perjeta, a drug for advanced HER2+ breast cancer not yet funded in the NZ public health system, just got a little easier for Auckland women.
News
19 May 2015
Thumbs-down NZ on International Clinical Trials Day
Kiwis have nothing to celebrate this International Clinical Trials Day (tomorrow, Wednesday May 20), says the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
News
06 March 2015
Laser treatment study a first for NZ
International Lymphoedema Awareness Day - March 6, 2015
News
29 January 2015
Promising new advanced TNBC drug accessible for NZ women – at a cost
Results of a small but interesting trial of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for advanced triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) were released in the USA recently.