News & updates • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

News & updates

Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.

Blog
New study: Double mastectomy doesn't improve breast cancer survival
05 September 2024

New study: Double mastectomy doesn't improve breast cancer survival

Many women with invasive breast cancer in one breast may opt for a double mastectomy. However, recent research has found no survival benefit when compared to breast conserving surgery (partial mastectomy).
Blog
Ali's new normal
26 March 2024

Ali's new normal

For Ali Coomber, living well after breast cancer looks like reading lots of books, regular yoga, connecting with family, and coming to terms with thoughts of recurrence.
Blog
All in the same boat
26 March 2024

All in the same boat

Busting With Life team member Donna says, the 22 women would likely never have met, were it not for their common thread – a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Blog
Our message this World Cancer Day: "Know your normal"
02 February 2024

Our message this World Cancer Day: "Know your normal"

“Know your normal” is one of the key messages we share here at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, and this World Cancer Day (4 February) we want to remind Kiwis why this is so important.
Blog
Promising international trial could add more treatment options for triple negative breast cancer
20 December 2023

Promising international trial could add more treatment options for triple negative breast cancer

Results from the international clinical trial Neo-N may increase the number of treatment options available for people with early-stage triple negative breast cancer
Blog
Suzie's reconstruction diary part 5: Feeling stronger
05 June 2023

Suzie's reconstruction diary part 5: Feeling stronger

This is the final part of Suzie’s journal. She talks about her recovery and feeling stronger, attending her daughter's wedding, getting Covid-19 as well as her feelings about her new breasts.
Blog
Suzie's reconstruction diary part 4: The weeks after surgery
16 May 2023

Suzie's reconstruction diary part 4: The weeks after surgery

After 4 ½ years on the waiting list for bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction surgery and being first on the waiting list for more than a year, Suzie and her husband decided to pay for the surgery privately. This is part 4 of Suzie’s journal of her surgery and recovery. Here she details her experiences over a month after having her breast reconstruction.
Blog
Suzie's reconstruction diary part 3: Back at home
26 April 2023

Suzie's reconstruction diary part 3: Back at home

This is part 3 of Suzie’s journal of her breast reconstruction surgery and recovery experiences. Here she details her first three weeks being back at home after her breast reconstruction.
Blog
Suzie's reconstruction diary part 2: The hospital stay
18 April 2023

Suzie's reconstruction diary part 2: The hospital stay

After 4 ½ years on the waiting list for bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction surgery and being first on the waiting list for more than a year, Suzie and her husband decided to pay for the surgery privately. This is part 2 of Suzie’s surgery and recovery experiences
Blog
"The day has finally arrived": Suzie's long wait for breast reconstruction
10 April 2023

"The day has finally arrived": Suzie's long wait for breast reconstruction

After 4 ½ years on the waiting list for bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction surgery and being first on the waiting list for more than a year, Suzie and her husband decided to pay for the surgery privately. This is a journal of Suzie’s surgery and recovery experiences...
Blog
Summer advice from our specialist breast nurses
22 December 2022

Summer advice from our specialist breast nurses

Our team of specialist nurses have pulled together useful tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Blog
Recipes for the festive season
21 December 2022

Recipes for the festive season

Need some holiday cooking inspiration? We’ve chosen some recipes for the festive season from Everyday Strength, a cookbook with wellbeing tips for cancer patients by food writer Sam Mannering and author Karen McMIllan, both of whom have had cancer.
Blog
"I found my lump just before a Pink Ribbon Breakfast"
09 May 2022

"I found my lump just before a Pink Ribbon Breakfast"

As a nurse, Barbara is well aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and how to look for them. But it was a friend's Pink Ribbon Breakfast in 2009 that prompted her to do a self-check just before the event.
Blog
You're helping to create a better future for breast cancer
09 May 2022

You're helping to create a better future for breast cancer

When Leehane was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, at the age of 35, she felt scared and completely in the dark about what was happening. After a gruelling treatment regime Leehane thought she was in the clear. Only three years later she was given the devastating news. The cancer had returned.
Blog
Orange is the new pink
21 April 2022

Orange is the new pink

Last week’s move to the orange traffic light setting has brought with it lots of exciting changes for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, including a return to the office for our Auckland staff members
Blog
Keeping you and your whānau safe during the Omicron outbreak
07 April 2022

Keeping you and your whānau safe during the Omicron outbreak

With now only those who test positive with Covid-19 and their household contacts required to isolate, the chance of catching Omicron while you’re out and about has increased
Blog
AGenDA calls for the end of genetic discrimination in New Zealand
15 March 2022

AGenDA calls for the end of genetic discrimination in New Zealand

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has joined patient advocacy group AGenDA to call for the end of the discrimination preventing Kiwis from accessing genetic testing
Blog
Meet the recipients of our clinical and science fellowships for 2022
15 January 2022

Meet the recipients of our clinical and science fellowships for 2022

Read more about the researchers we are funding, and their projects, here.
Blog
Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and a big new job: Melanie’s story
11 October 2021

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and a big new job: Melanie’s story

Melanie Webber was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020, at the age of 45. She had found a lump in her right breast, but it turned out the cancer was in her left breast. Although she was going through treatment just as she was starting a new job, having a supportive employer meant that she could take the time she needed for her recovery.
Blog
Latest research from the European Society for Medical Oncology conference
24 September 2021

Latest research from the European Society for Medical Oncology conference

The annual European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) conference took place over the last week. Here are some highlights of the latest breast cancer research.
Blog
Promoting breast awareness for a healthy and happy workplace
24 September 2021

Promoting breast awareness for a healthy and happy workplace

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, explains why promoting breast health awareness in the workplace is a wellness programme every employer should implement.
Blog
Breast cancer, work and you
20 September 2021

Breast cancer, work and you

Natalie James, lead nurse at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, addresses some common concerns about how a breast cancer diagnosis might impact your work.
Blog
How rehab helps your recovery
14 July 2021

How rehab helps your recovery

In the whirlwind of cancer treatments, recovery shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, getting the proper care and rehabilitation can make a world of difference.
Blog
Getting a good night’s sleep with breast cancer
05 July 2021

Getting a good night’s sleep with breast cancer

Around one-third of cancer patients experience sleeping problems. Read our guide to good-quality sleep during and after breast cancer treatment.