Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
Worried?
Recently diagnosed?
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Recently diagnosed?
- Types of breast cancer
- Tests & diagnosis
- Treatment options
- Advanced breast cancer
- Clinical trials
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Want to help?
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Want to help?
- Donate
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- Volunteer
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Checked your breasts lately?
We'll show you how. Checking your breasts is easy as TLC. 'Know your normal', so you can find any changes in your breasts as soon as they appear.
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Touch
Touch both breasts. You’re feeling for any lumps or thickening of the tissue, even up into the armpits. -
Look
Look in front of a mirror. Can you see any physical changes to the breast shape, skin or nipples? -
Check
Check any breast changes with your doctor. Even if you’ve had a mammogram recently.
Latest updates
Our latest events, press releases and blog posts
Blog
04 September 2026
Could data predict if breast cancer will return?
Every year, thousands of New Zealanders have their breast cancer details added to Te Rēhita Mate Ūtaetae – Breast Cancer Foundation National Register. The Register is a taonga, and holds data gifted by over 60,000 breast cancer patients across Aotearoa, past and present. This data is held securely and is anonymised for use in research, to audit care, to help plan breast cancer services, and to identify where further progress is needed to improve the lives of everyone affected by breast cancer.
News
26 August 2026
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is pushing for consultation to end genetic discrimination in insurance
On 19 August, Against Genetic Discrimination in Aotearoa (AGenDA) coalitions's Fay Sowerby and Professor Andrew Shelling presented to Parliament's Health Select Committee, calling for consultation on genetic discrimination in insurance to begin before the end of 2026. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ supports their call. The law already allows it, and New Zealanders shouldn't have to choose between a life-saving genetic test and affordable insurance.
Press release
26 August 2026
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ appoints Vanessa Sorenson as new Chief Executive
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has appointed highly experienced New Zealand business and technology leader Vanessa Sorenson as its new Chief Executive.
Blog
25 August 2026
A personal message from me: Ah-Leen Rayner farewells Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
After five very special years as Chief Executive, I want to let you know that this is my last week at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
Blog
25 July 2026
The Forbidden Pharmacy: making medicines access impossible to ignore
This July, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ joined 16 other patient organisations to create the Forbidden Pharmacy: a physical representation of New Zealanders locked out of vital, life-saving medicines.
Blog
07 July 2026
The important role of General Practitioners in breast cancer care
When people think about breast cancer treatment, oncologists, surgeons, and specialist teams may come to mind. Yet recent New Zealand research, highlighted a fundamental reality: for many cancer patients, one of the most important people in their healthcare journey is a General Practitioner (GP).