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BCAC is deeply disappointed by a report on cancer medicines released by the Cancer Control Agency, Te Aho o Te Kahu. We’re stunned to see that Te Aho o Te Kahu has identified only one breast cancer drug as needed but not funded in New Zealand. This is completely out of step with Australia and other countries and disregards international guidelines on breast cancer treatment. There are eighteen breast cancer medicines funded in Australia and not in New Zealand. These all have clinical benefit and many are recommended to New Zealanders with breast cancer, but only those who can afford to pay privately can be treated with them.
Dragon boating is a great way to increase fitness and have fun with other breast cancer survivors. BCAC member groups, Busting with Life (based in Auckland) and Waikato Treasure Chests (based in Hamilton), are both on the look-out for new team members. Contact details and latest news from these two teams can be found here:
21 April 2022
BCAC sends huge congratulations to former Committee Member Irene Kereama-Royal who has been awarded a scholarship by Hei Āhuru Mōwai (Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa) and the Cancer Society. Irene’s PhD research looks into the reasons for mistrust among whānau Māori with participating in genetics research and identifying the potential of genomics health to lift Māori health inequities in cancers. Irene (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto) will use her own whānau’s personal journey with cancer and achieving whānau wellbeing through the knowledge of genomics health as part of her research.
Knowing our genetic risk of diseases such as BRCA-related breast cancer can be lifesaving, but New Zealand insurance companies can use this knowledge to discriminate against us.
BCAC has joined Against Genetic Discrimination Aotearoa (AGenDA), a group of doctors, researchers, lawyers, Māori, Pasifika, medical charities and patient groups to fight this discrimination.
European experts now recommend that breast density be reported with every mammogram and that women with extremely dense breasts be advised to undergo additional screening, given their greater risk of breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition makes submissions and applications to Government, Te Whatu Ora, Pharmac and health organisations with the aim of improving the access to, and quality of, treatment for women with breast cancer.
On this page you can view the recent submissions and applications we've made.
2025
There is a growing focus on stories that speak to the ‘lived experience’ of breast cancer, and Breast Cancer Support Aotearoa’s writing workshops provide an opportunity for women to write about, and share, their experiences under the careful guidance of professional writer and workshop facilitator Jane Bissell. There is no cost to attend the half-day workshop.
On Sunday 7 December, the Busting with Life dragon boat team - made up of paddlers who have experienced breast cancer - took part in the Auckland Dragon Boat Association’s inaugural Christmas Super10 event. Super10 means fast-paced, high-energy racing with boats of just 10 paddlers, and the day delivered plenty of excitement.
Hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer is the most common type in New Zealand, accounting for about 75% of cases. The cancer cells in tumours of this type have an abundance of receptors for the hormones oestrogen (ER+) and/or progesterone (PR+), meaning that their proliferation is driven by these hormones.
Depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, HR+ breast cancer treatment usually begins with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by hormone therapy to block the effects of oestrogen and/or progesterone on any remaining cancer cells. The goal of hormone therapy is to prevent the breast cancer from spreading or returning.
