Collectors will be shaking their pink buckets on the streets and at shopping centres around the country, aiming to raise funds for research into new targeted treatments, medical equipment for our hospitals, life-saving awareness and education programmes, and support for women going through breast cancer.

“Thousands of volunteers have generously committed their time to this week’s appeal,” says BCFNZ chief executive Evangelia Henderson. “Now we need Kiwis everywhere to drop a coin in the bucket – your gift helps us work towards our long term vision of zero deaths from breast cancer.

“If you don’t have loose change on the day you can text PINK to 4499 to make a $3 donation. Either way, we’ll be very grateful,” she says.

With breast cancer the most common cancer for New Zealand women – eight women a day are diagnosed, and one in nine women will be diagnosed in their lifetime – almost everyone knows someone affected by the disease. Research shows that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the outcome, so BCFNZ is reminding women to be breast aware at any age.

“These days, we have the knowledge to beat breast cancer if it’s found early,” says Mrs Henderson. “If you’re under 50, be breast aware – know the normal look and feel of your breasts so you can report changes to your doctor. Consider annual mammograms from age 40, then have mammograms every two years from age 50. Free screening is available between 45 and 69.”

Visit the Foundation’s www.anychanges.co.nz site for more information about signs of breast cancer and how to check your breasts.

About BCFNZ:

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is a not-for-profit organisation that depends on donations and fundraising for its work in breast cancer education and awareness, medical research and training grants, funding medical equipment, advocacy, and supporting women with breast cancer. The BCFNZ’s programmes are evidence-based, overseen by its medical advisory committee. The pink ribbon symbol is a trademark of BCFNZ in New Zealand.