Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
News & updates
Our latest news, press releases, blog posts, Pink Ribbon Bulletins & Pink Ribbon Press.
Press release
06 May 2020
Webinars pull in the viewers
In the last six months, BCFNZ webinars have focused on topics such as breast reconstruction, managing the side effects of treatment, what to expect after a diagnosis and dealing with DCIS. In total, 1016 people have signed up to watch our webinars live over that time and 844 people have watched our webinar videos at a later date.
Blog
11 March 2020
What's the deal with DCIS?
There can be some confusion surrounding DCIS. Here's what you should know...
News
05 March 2020
“New Zealand is now on the right path”: World-leading oncologist lauds funding announcement
Pharmac’s confirmation that life-extending new drug Ibrance will be funded from April 1 for Kiwis with advanced breast cancer (ABC) has drawn praise from Dr Fatima Cardoso.
News
05 February 2020
BCFNZ responds to proposed funding of palbociclib for advanced breast cancer
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has given feedback on the proposed funding of palbociclib for advanced breast cancer.
News
15 January 2020
“We’re ecstatic”: Breast Cancer Foundation responds to new drug funding announcement
Pharmac’s announcement this morning that it aims to fund Ibrance for Kiwis with advanced breast cancer from April 2020 is wonderful news.
News
13 October 2019
ABC problems “still here”, but there are signs of progress
One year after I’m Still Here – the investigation into advanced breast cancer care in New Zealand that shocked doctors and patients alike – there are signs of improvement.
News
07 October 2019
Pharmac Kadcyla funding confirmed; Breast Cancer Foundation welcomes less restricted access
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has applauded Pharmac’s confirmation today that it will fund Kadcyla for Kiwis with HER2+ advanced breast cancer (ABC) from December 1.
Blog
07 October 2019
Everyone can be breast aware
With the news that Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, was treated for breast cancer earlier this year, it’s a timely reminder that men need to be breast aware too.
Press release
01 October 2019
New Breast Cancer Foundation app puts power in Kiwi women’s hands
Pre Check, an innovative app from Breast Cancer Foundation NZ – launched to mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month – will take women into a whole new world of breast health awareness.
News
22 August 2019
Patients pulling together for change
People with advanced breast cancer who speak publicly about their desperate plights are heroes.
News
04 August 2019
Do the latest Pharmac minutes mean new hope for Kiwis with ABC?
Pharmac's cancer treatments subcommittee has recommended CDK4/6 inhibitors (e.g. palbociclib / ribociclib) with a HIGH priority for funding.
Press release
25 July 2019
Queenstown locals to learn from top breast cancer experts
Top breast cancer surgeons are heading to Queenstown to share their knowledge with local patients, health professionals and the public at a free event held by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ on August 9.
Blog
22 July 2019
Why is New Zealand so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to publicly funded access to medicine?
We spend 55% less than the OECD average on medicine and rank last of 20 OECD countries for market access to modern medicines.
Pharmac prides itself on its negotiation skills and cost-effectiveness - but where is this leaving Kiwi cancer patients?
Blog
04 July 2019
What about breast density?
Breast density is a bit of hot topic in breast cancer conversation. You may have recently heard that in the USA it’s now mandatory to notify women about their breast density when they receive their mammogram result. But, what does density have to do with your risk of breast cancer and how do you know if you have dense breasts in the first place?
News
09 May 2019
Early access proposal welcomed, but tough questions need answers
Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Evangelia Henderson welcomed the news that Pharmac is working with the Ministry of Health to consider a scheme that would offer faster access to drugs for Kiwi cancer patients.
Blog
17 April 2019
What should I know about Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
Find out more about inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and hear from Lucie Kodouskova, diagnosed with IBC at 33.
Blog
10 November 2018
Words of wisdom from lead radiologist Dr Monica Saini
We talk to Dr Monica Saini - lead radiologist at Hutt Valley DHB.
Blog
17 October 2018
October is...
October is international breast cancer awareness month.
A stark reminder that breast cancer is still the most common cancer in women worldwide...
News
16 October 2018
Lack of funding “height of cruelty” – Breast Cancer Foundation
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s chief executive Evangelia Henderson describes the lack of funding for drugs that extend the lives of advanced breast cancer patients as heartless and cruel. “Why do people have to set up a Givealittle page, or worse, sell their house, to access these drugs?” says Mrs Henderson. Her comments come on the day two petitions are presented on the steps of Parliament, demanding funding for palbociclib (Ibrance) and Kadcyla.
Press release
01 October 2018
Stacey Morrison urges Māori women to sign up for breast screening
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ ambassador Stacey Morrison has just had her first free mammogram with BreastScreen Aotearoa. Now, she’s urging Kiwi women – especially Māori – to enrol for free breast screening this October.
Blog
24 September 2018
What do I need to know about the genetic risk of breast cancer?
Inherited risk accounts for around 10% of all diagnosed breast cancers. If you do find that you’re at a higher risk of breast cancer you can take precautionary actions which are likely to prevent breast cancer from developing.
Blog
13 June 2018
Mammogram myth busting
10 common mammogram myths busted!
News
09 June 2018
Here’s the evidence – time to play fair, Breast Cancer Foundation tells Pharmac
In light of new clinical trial results, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urging Pharmac to consider giving life-extending drug Perjeta to patients who’ve been missing out due to an earlier decision that the Foundation labelled unfair.
Press release
10 May 2018
Bump or lump? Be breast aware this sport season
Bumps and bruises are part of the game, but beware: your injury could be hiding something more serious.