Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
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
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).
Press release
03 June 2026
Charity tax change risks undermining vital breast cancer support
A change to charity tax rules announced in the Government's Budget last week could reduce major charitable giving, at a time when demand for our vital programmes is growing.
News
28 May 2026
Budget 2026 keeps Pharmac afloat, but leaves breast cancer patients waiting
The Government’s Budget announcement today of an additional $54 million for Pharmac over four years falls short of what’s needed to improve access to essential breast cancer medicines.
Press release
25 May 2026
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ pays tribute to Dame Jools Topp
We're deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Jools Topp, a treasured Kiwi icon whose openness about her breast cancer experience helped to make conversations about breast cancer more open and visible.
Blog
18 May 2026
How Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) could help detect breast cancer earlier in women with dense breasts
Breast density is a challenging factor in breast cancer screening effectiveness. Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) is a type of breast imaging that uses both a standard mammogram and a special dye injected into the bloodstream.
Pink Ribbon Press
Pink Ribbon Press - Autumn 2026
PDF format - 0.9mb
Press release
07 May 2026
Rami Rahal joins Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, with focus on eliminating survival disparities
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is thrilled to announce the appointment of Rami Rahal, the former chief executive of Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency, to its Board of Trustees.
News
13 April 2026
What the expansion of cancer infusion services means for people with breast cancer
The Government has announced a nationwide expansion of community infusion services is underway, which will result in thousands more New Zealanders being able to access cancer treatment closer to home.
Press release
03 March 2026
World TNBC Day: Fund new treatments to stop breast cancer becoming incurable
On World Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day, we're urging the Government to increase funding for cancer treatments so people with early-stage TNBC can access the treatment they need.
Blog
27 February 2026
Cancer funding shortfalls are more than a moral and medical failure
The current medicines crisis is often framed as a moral issue: people are missing out on life-saving drugs, and lives are quite literally at stake. That is true. But it’s only half the story. Failing to properly invest in modern cancer medicines is also a failure of economic logic.
Blog
13 February 2026
AI could transform breast screening: What it means for women in NZ
As New Zealand considers AI for breast screening, we look at what global evidence tells us, how it could support radiologists, and why we must focus on safe, equitable implementation that improves access and outcomes for all women.
Press release
04 February 2026
New research urges a rethink of advanced breast cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand
Our new report shows there has been progress in advanced breast cancer care, but this isn't reaching everyone. We're asking the health system for a shift in mindset so New Zealanders are given the best opportunity to live and live well after an ABC diagnosis.
Blog
28 October 2025
Your first mammogram could be life saving
When it comes to breast cancer, timing matters. A mammogram can pick up tiny changes in breast tissue long before a lump is felt, giving treatment the best possible chance of success. But new research shows it’s not just having mammograms that matters it’s whether you go to your very first one.
Press release
21 October 2025
Breast cancer patients can’t afford to wait for life-saving drugs
After gathering more than 17,000 signatures on a petition calling for Keytruda to be funded for early-stage triple negative breast cancer, Catherine Cooke will be telling a Parliamentary select committee about the emotional and financial toll of having to pay for an unfunded treatment.
Press release
15 October 2025
Breast screening extension will save lives – just like it did for Rita
Today we're celebrating a landmark moment for women's health as the Government officially extends breast screening nationwide for women aged up to 74. This age extension will save lives - just like it did for Rita.
Blog
29 September 2025
Unsure how to check your breasts? Research shows you're not alone
A new study has found that many women aged 30–39 either don’t think breast cancer is relevant to them yet or aren’t sure how to check. The reality? Most cases aren’t linked to family history and 13% of breast cancer diagnoses happen in women under the age of 45.
Press release
29 September 2025
New Zealand's pink glow-up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, more than 90 prominent landmarks and buildings across the country will light up pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From Whangārei to Invercargill, discover your nearest Global Illumination site.
Pink Ribbon Press
Pink Ribbon Press - Spring 2025
PDF format - 0.7mb
Blog
05 August 2025
Exercise after cancer: could moving more stop it coming back?
New study shows powerful results for colon cancer and raises hopes for breast cancer too.
Pink Ribbon Press
Pink Ribbon Press - Autumn 2025
PDF format - 1.1mb