News & updates • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

News & updates

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

News
Vital patient support provided when it was needed the most
04 May 2021

Vital patient support provided when it was needed the most

After launching our Christmas Appeal we received an overwhelming response – we’ve raised more than $115,000 to keep our support services running. These vital funds mean we can keep being there for breast cancer patients when they need us most.
News
Jackie Klouwens’ lasting legacy – a bequest that means so much
04 May 2021

Jackie Klouwens’ lasting legacy – a bequest that means so much

Kim’s favourite memories of her mum Jackie centre around how compassionate and loving she was.
News
Save your life in the time it takes to get changed
04 May 2021

Save your life in the time it takes to get changed

Radio personality and newest BCFNZ Ambassador, Sarah Gandy, has a simple message for Kiwi women: “Saving your life can be as easy as checking your breasts in the time it takes to get changed.”
News
“I just want to make sure I’m here for my greatgrandchildren"
04 May 2021

“I just want to make sure I’m here for my greatgrandchildren"

Claudine Thompson had signed up for mammograms as soon as she qualified for them. They had always come back clear, until her last free mammogram in 2018 showed a tiny lump in her left breast.
Blog
Your body clock and breast cancer risk
24 March 2021

Your body clock and breast cancer risk

Our body clocks underpin our daily routines, from when we wake to when we sleep. And new research is exploring whether these circadian rhythms could protect us against breast cancer...
Blog
Your guide to ‘going flat’ after breast cancer
03 March 2021

Your guide to ‘going flat’ after breast cancer

A new survey found that many women who choose to go flat after breast cancer surgery after satisfied with their choice. We take a look at what going flat means and why many women prefer it.
Press release
Pharmac review doesn’t go far enough
02 March 2021

Pharmac review doesn’t go far enough

The Government has announced it will conduct an independent review into Pharmac. We're disappointed that it doesn't go far enough - without increased funding, NZ will continue to lag behind when it comes to accessing new drugs.
News
New advice issued to women about Covid-19 vaccinations and mammograms
18 February 2021

New advice issued to women about Covid-19 vaccinations and mammograms

Ahead of New Zealand’s roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urging Kiwi women not to delay their mammograms, as reports suggest a possible side effect of the vaccine may mimic breast cancer symptoms.
News
Don’t delay cancer checks this World Cancer Day
04 February 2021

Don’t delay cancer checks this World Cancer Day

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is teaming up with health organisations around New Zealand to spread the message: ‘Don’t wait. Contact your doctor. Get checked.’
Press release
NZ’s five-year survival goal not good enough, says Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
03 February 2021

NZ’s five-year survival goal not good enough, says Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Today’s World Health Organisation announcement that breast cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide is a timely reminder that cancer should be top of the Ministry of Health’s investment priorities.
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
January 2021

January 2021

Breast cancer research gets $700,000 boost, the National Register reaches full coverage in New Zealand, plus the launch of our SBS Pink Ribbon Visa!
Pink Ribbon Bulletins
December 2020

December 2020

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ wishes you a Meri Kirihimete, information about our nursing hours and find your community on mybc.
News
“Get your mammogram so other mokopuna can have more time with their kuia”
15 October 2020

“Get your mammogram so other mokopuna can have more time with their kuia”

​Stacey Morrison’s 7-year-old daughter Maiana is urging Kiwi women to go for regular mammograms, as part of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s annual awareness-raising campaign.
News
Pharmac review a chance to end agonisingly slow drug approval process
13 October 2020

Pharmac review a chance to end agonisingly slow drug approval process

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is calling on the next government to end the unfair and outdated evaluation process that means Kiwis with terminal breast cancer wait years longer for the latest drugs,.
News
10 ways to make the most of October
01 October 2020

10 ways to make the most of October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here's how you can get involved this month...
Press release
Sarah Gandy launches Change & Check campaign, as new survey reveals “worrying” breast cancer findings
01 October 2020

Sarah Gandy launches Change & Check campaign, as new survey reveals “worrying” breast cancer findings

Broadcaster Sarah Gandy has joined forces with Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to launch the Change & Check campaign.
News
Auckland turns pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
29 September 2020

Auckland turns pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For the first time, Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Queen Street Lights will be lighting up pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
News
Free GP visits for terminally-ill patients: Making your voices heard in Wellington
08 September 2020

Free GP visits for terminally-ill patients: Making your voices heard in Wellington

In July we were invited to present our petition, signed by thousands of you, in front of the Health Select Committee. We made the case that all advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients should automatically be able to see their GP for free.
News
“I lost my own mum to breast cancer, now I help others”
08 September 2020

“I lost my own mum to breast cancer, now I help others”

Earlier this year we welcomed Judith Beattie to our team of specialist breast care nurses.
News
Celebrating 20 years of being cancer-free
08 September 2020

Celebrating 20 years of being cancer-free

Vicky Newman, a mum of two from Kaukapakapa, was just 34 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She had a mastectomy and chemotherapy, but less than a year later, Vicky learnt the cancer had returned in her neck.
News
COVID-19 must not be an excuse to scupper plans for early access to cancer drugs
10 June 2020

COVID-19 must not be an excuse to scupper plans for early access to cancer drugs

Breast Cancer Foundation says Government must not break its promise to develop an early access programme for new cancer medicines, following two promising trial results for advanced breast cancer.
News
“Don’t back away from cancer plan,” Breast Cancer Foundation begs
10 May 2020

“Don’t back away from cancer plan,” Breast Cancer Foundation begs

“Don’t use COVID-19 as an excuse to back away from your commitment to cancer patients,” Breast Cancer Foundation NZ begged the Government, in response to today’s announcement of an additional $160m over four years for Pharmac to secure the supply of approved medicines.
Press release
“I’d never heard of a mammogram”: Pink Caravan spreads the word 
06 May 2020

“I’d never heard of a mammogram”: Pink Caravan spreads the word 

The Pink Caravan's tour was shortened due to COVID-19. However, it had already made a huge impact. In Dunedin, one visitor told the caravan nurses, “Until now, I’d never heard of a mammogram.” She was 47 years old.