Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
Press release
05 October 2022
“No good reason why free mammograms for 70-74 year olds can’t happen right now”
The Government has an opportunity to show leadership for women’s health this October by immediately raising the free breast screening age, says Justine Smyth, chair of BCFNZ.
Press release
04 October 2022
Free breast screening for more NZ women will categorically save lives
We welcome the National Party's commitment to raise the free screening age to 74 and now we want to see all other political parties make the same commitment.
News
28 September 2022
Glowing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Towns and cities across Aotearoa New Zealand will once again be lighting up their landmarks and prominent buildings in pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
September 2022
A lot has been happening in the last few weeks - read about a visit from top international breast surgeon Angel Arnaout, our Breast Cancer InSIGhts conference, two new webinars, and a brand new partnership with the NPC rugby competition.
Press release
01 June 2022
Pharmac review: "How much improvement can be achieved is questionable"
The Government has accepted most of the findings from Pharmac's independent review, but we question how much improvement can actually be achieved.
Press release
25 May 2022
Breast screening review must address the mammogram backlog
Health NZ’s review is an acknowledgement of the crucial role of screening in woman's health, but it must include a plan to clear the mammogram backlog.
Press release
20 May 2022
Budget 2022 lets down the women of NZ
We're deeply disappointed by the Government's 2022 Budget, which has failed to deliver the $15m we've been asking for to clear the mammogram backlog urgently.
Press release
12 May 2022
“The future of breast screening is on a knife-edge”, MPs hear at Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Parliament today
One week before the Government's Budget, we held a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at Parliament, calling $15m of targeted funding to clear the mammogram backlog.
Pink Ribbon Press
Pink Ribbon Press - Autumn 2022
PDF format - 1.6mb
Press release
30 March 2022
Breast cancer diagnoses are not “keeping pace with what we’ve seen in the past”
The Prime Minister has claimed levels of cancer diagnoses appear to have “recovered” after being impacted by Covid lockdowns over the last two years. We disagree.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
March 2022
We’ve asked the Government for $15m to clear the mammogram backlog, welcomed our new breast oncology nurse in Christchurch, and will be hosting our first webinar of 2022 next week.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
February 2022
Our latest report reveals how well NZ is doing in tackling breast cancer, we announce this year's recipients of our two Research Fellowships and update you on our Missing Women campaign.
Press release
09 December 2021
10,600 New Zealanders call for urgent action on breast screening
We've delivered our Missing Women petition to ACT's Brooke van Velden. More than 10,600 people signed it, calling for the Government to make sure women can access life-saving mammograms.
Press release
14 October 2021
133 MISSING WOMEN: Breast cancer cases going undetected because of Covid-19
At least 133 women across Aotearoa New Zealand have no idea they have breast cancer right now, warns Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Take action by signing our petition!
Blog
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.
News
07 October 2021
CANGO urges Government: Stop “shrugging your shoulders” at cancer deaths
CANGO (Cancer Non-Governmental Organisations) urges Government: Stop “shrugging your shoulders” at cancer deaths
Press release
03 October 2021
Wāhine toa star in new breast cancer campaign using the power of poetry
Spoken word poets Ngā Hinepūkōrero have teamed up with Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to release a new poem highlighting the importance of mammograms this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Press release
29 September 2021
New Zealand turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
More than 30 landmarks and prominent buildings across Aotearoa New Zealand are lighting up in pink this October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Blog
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
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.
Press release
09 May 2021
New funding for breast screening programme an "excellent step forward"
The Government has announced a $55.6 million upgrade for the national breast screening programme's IT system, which means more women should be able to access free mammograms.
News
04 May 2021
A hot new way to help fight breast cancer
Now supporting BCFNZ has never been easier, with the launch of our very own SBS Pink Ribbon Visa.
News
04 May 2021
National Register reaches 100% coverage
In 2020 we began the expansion of the Breast Cancer Foundation National Register, after consolidating four regional registers (Auckland, Waikato, Wellington & Christchurch) which covered two-thirds of the country’s DHB regions. By the start of 2021 all DHBs had signed up.
News
04 May 2021
“Breast cancer touches so many Kiwi women, that’s why it’s such an important cause to support”
Monika Naidu has watched two family members and a close friend go through breast cancer. Seeing the
suffering caused by the disease is what prompted Monika to act. She and her husband Daven recently hosted
a lunch at their restaurant – Auckland’s Chancery Bistro – which raised an incredible $11,255 for BCFNZ.