Latest News
The first results from the OPTIMA trial were presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in May.
This trial tested the idea that the results of a specialised laboratory test (Prosigna (PAM50) Assay) of breast tissue could be used to identify people with early ER-positive HER2-negative breast cancer who could safely avoid chemotherapy because there is a low risk of the cancer coming back.
Participants were women and men aged over 40 years, with ER+ HER2- early breast cancer with 0-9 positive axillary nodes and tumour size greater than 30mm if node-negative. These people would normally be offered both chemotherapy and endocrine therapy.
Breast Cancer Trials’ free brochure explaining clinical trials and their benefits is now available in nine different languages.
A Te Reo Māori translation of “What is a breast cancer clinical trial?” is available here, and there are also two videos: “What are breast cancer clinical trials?” and “Why participate in a breast cancer clinical trial?” (click here and scroll down).
BreastScreen Aotearoa is preparing for the careful introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into mammogram reading. BCAC’s Fay Sowerby explains why AI as a second reader should be seen as a sensible and practical tool, not as a replacement for radiologists or clinical judgement. She acknowledges that some women may be concerned about AI in breast screening, while also recognising the growing pressure on New Zealand’s radiology workforce and the need to sustain safe, high-quality double reading.
Fay explains that AI is being considered as one of two independent reads in breast screening, not as a stand-alone replacement for clinicians.
Every year about 450 New Zealand women are diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC). Unlike most invasive breast cancers which begin in the milk ducts (ductal), ILC starts in the milk lobules and then spreads to the surrounding tissue. ILC cancer cells grow in single file or in single-cell layers that are harder to detect by touch or on a mammogram than the masses (lumps) that form with ductal breast cancers. Dimpling or thickening of the skin is often the first sign of ILC. It may not show up on a mammogram.
Already well known for their community classes in skincare and beauty to boost confidence after cancer, Look Good Feel Better has a new name, Cancer Support New Zealand, better reflecting the broader practical, non-medical support they now provide.
General Manager Clare O’Higgins explained the change. “Over time, participants shared that they needed more support beyond the original programme. Support for the everyday parts of cancer that can feel unexpected, isolating, and sometimes overwhelming. We listened, and we grew into more than 20 free programmes supporting people through both the visible and invisible effects of cancer”.
Importantly, referral pathways remain unchanged.
BCAC advocates Libby Burgess and Fay Sowerby enjoyed the recent Breast InSIGhts conference, an educational and networking event for breast cancer clinicians held in Auckland. The conference is held every two years, aiming to update local clinicians in international best practice treatment and care so this can be offered to NZ patients. There were indeed many insights shared by the local and international expert speakers.
Dragon boating is an awesome way to get fit and connect with others after breast cancer. Rebecca Ronald from BCAC member group Busting with Life filed this report about the annual regatta.
Wow - what a special weekend that was.
I just arrived home after three days spent with an incredible group of women - breast cancer survivors brought together by a shared passion for dragon boating.
University of Auckland researcher Dr Marta Seretny is looking for women to help design a prehabilitation progamme of supportive care between breast cancer diagnosis and surgery. Prehabilitation programmes involve exercise, nutrition and psychological advice so that patients can prepare physically and mentally for their treatment. Prehabilitation has been shown to boost physical function, reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve recovery.
Dr Seretny’s study will bring together women with a recent lived experience of breast cancer and healthcare professionals to co-design a prehabilitation programme for women in Aotearoa. The study involves up to four sessions of 2-3 hours each, at a local venue or via Zoom, and there is a $50 koha per session for volunteers.
Dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis is a stressful experience, with lots of emotions to process, multiple professionals to deal with, appointments to arrange and physically challenging procedures.
It also brings with it some extra ‘personal admin’. Filling in forms to claim benefits, allowances and subsidies from health and community service providers can just add to the burden and seem overwhelming. Many report that interacting with health insurance companies can be particularly challenging.
BCAC welcomes new research published today by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ that shows that despite gains in survival and treatment for Kiwis with advanced breast cancer (ABC), serious gaps in care remain. Among the key findings is the lack of a standardised, nationwide approach to detection and diagnosis, leaving too many patients with fewer treatment options and a poorer quality of life.
