Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
News
04 November 2019
“Blood test for breast cancer” greatly exaggerated, says Breast Cancer Foundation
Reports of a blood test that “could detect breast cancer up to five years before there are any signs of it” are greatly exaggerated.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
October 2019
BCFNZ launches VR pilot trial, why men should be breast aware, Pink Star Walk continues, plus shop for good this October.
Blog
18 October 2019
Behind the scenes of clinical trials
In a guest blog, Lou Clement from Cancer Trials New Zealand shares what it's like to work on a clinical trial.
Press release
14 October 2019
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ launches virtual reality pilot trial
In a world first, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is testing the benefit of virtual reality for patients with advanced breast cancer.
Press release
14 October 2019
World Metastatic Breast Cancer Day sees launch of new podcast series ‘Life with ABC’
The first episode of a podcast series about advanced breast cancer has been released.
News
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
07 October 2019
Capital’s bikers gear up for breast cancer
Hundreds of “pinked out” motorbikes, from scooters to hogs and trikes, are expected to take part in the annual Wellington Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride this Sunday.
Press release
07 October 2019
New Zealand, please support tomorrow’s Pink Ribbon appeal
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is asking Kiwis to support its Pink Ribbon appeal tomorrow and Saturday.
Press release
07 October 2019
Innovative research worth $700,000 to help beat breast cancer
In the spotlight: tackling genetic resistance to drugs; a blood test to predict whether breast cancer will return; and cheaper, more accessible digital pathology
News
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
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
03 October 2019
New service to help early breast cancer patients thrive in MidCentral
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and MidCentral DHB are partnering to offer Thriving, a new support service.
Press release
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.
Pink Ribbon Press
Pink Ribbon Press - Spring 2019
PDF format - 5.9mb
News
01 September 2019
Thumbs-Up for government's cancer announcements
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has given an overall thumbs-up to today’s spate of cancer-related announcements from the Ministry of Health and PHARMAC
News
22 August 2019
Patients pulling together for change
People with advanced breast cancer who speak publicly about their desperate plights are heroes.
Blog
15 August 2019
Exercise – an important piece of the breast cancer puzzle
Exercise can often be the last thing on your mind when you’re going through breast cancer. But an increasing number of studies show that physical activity can help reduce breast cancer recurrence or death among survivors.
Blog
07 August 2019
Aarti’s story
I don’t have any risk factors - there is no family history, I don’t smoke, I maintain a fairly healthy lifestyle and breastfed both my babies. I was quite complacent in my thinking that I could get other cancers but that I would never get breast cancer - I didn’t fit the criteria at all.
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.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
July 2019
2019 research grants announced, return of Pink Star Walk and upcoming events, plus are Kiwi cancer patients getting a good deal?
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?
Press release
27 June 2019
Breast cancer chemo clinical trial now recruiting in five centres
A clinical trial that’s now recruiting patients in Waikato, Tauranga, Rotorua, Palmerston North and Wellington will test the ability of a cheap, widely available drug to prevent two of chemotherapy’s most unpleasant side-effects.