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The FINER clinical trial aims to find out if advanced ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer will remain under control for longer in patients who are given a new drug, ipatasertib, in addition to the standard treatment, fulvestrant. Ipatasertib works by blocking a cancer cell growth pathway (called PI3K-AKT-mTOR), which has been shown to be involved in some ER-positive breast cancers becoming resistant to treatment.
Who is the trial for? Those whose advanced ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer has progressed after ‘first line’ treatment with a CDK 4/6 inhibitor (such as palbociclib (Ibrance)) and an aromatase inhibitor (such as anastrozole, exemestane or letrozole).
BCAC has been honoured to record the stories of many New Zealanders with advanced breast cancer. We hope that their stories and photos will give you insight into their experiences and their thoughts, and will give you an idea of what life with advanced breast cancer is like.
To view our series Gifts to the Future, He Koha ā Mua Legacy Videos, click here.
To see videos made by members of Metavivors New Zealand, click here. To learn more about the Metavivors NZ peer support group for those with advanced breast cancer, click here.
The breast cancer experience presents some unique challenges for LGBTQI+ people. In addition to the usual stress of facing a cancer diagnosis and treatments, LGBTQI+ people often have to deal with the reactions of those around them. These may range from unfamiliarity with and incorrect assumptions about our relationships, our gender identity, our body image etc, right through to outright discrimination. Having to ‘educate’ even well-meaning clinicians and carers can be extra burden for LGBTQI+ people during a highly stressful time.
Below are some online resources which may help:
Liz Pennington was appointed to the Breast Cancer Support Chair position in early April and is looking forward to working as part of the organisation to enhance and strengthen the support of women with a lived experience of breast cancer.
April 2023 has been the culmination of a long-held dream by our Team Captain to have enough Paddlers to form a BC team. Thus, Taranaki Pinks came in to being.
We entered as a small boat at this year’s Nationals and as a standard boat at the recent IBCPC held at Lake Karapiro. The atmosphere was amazing and truly embodies the camaraderie and spirit of all BC survivors, from the young to the old brought together by a common bond.
Now that we are all hooked and can call ourselves international athletes, lol, here’s to the next one in 4 years’ time.
New paddlers keen to join us out at the Waitara River are always welcome. Check out our website or Facebook page for details.
Join Sweet Louise this May as we walk 50K to raise funds to support Kiwis diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. This 50K walking challenge is designed so you can walk when you want, where you want, and with whoever you want! Walk or run. Go solo or set up a team. Complete the 50K in one weekend or spread across the whole month – the choice is entirely up to you!
Broadcaster and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ) Ambassador Lorna Riley is encouraging New Zealanders to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast next month to support Kiwis affected by breast cancer.
Pink Ribbon Breakfast is BCFNZ’s biggest annual fundraising campaign and people can sign up at www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz. Last year, 67,000 New Zealanders got together with their friends, whānau and workmates at events to raise vital funds for BCFNZ’s work in education, research and patient support.
Neither did Marion, a clinical trial participant whose hope for the future of breast cancer research is that it brings more light to the various types of breast cancer.
"I hope that research gets rid of the myth that all breast cancer is the same. Different treatments can be more effective for different types of breast cancer".
With clinical trials research we are discovering different types of breast cancer and this leads to the development of future treatments that become more and more individualised to tumour sub-type, age and general health of each woman diagnosed.
You can help women like Marion to participate in a clinical trial and contribute to improving the outcomes for future generations of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
In 2022, Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust held a fundraising challenge titled Aotearoa 100k’s in 30 Days. The challenge was for participants to get sponsored and clock 100 kilometres in 30 days either on foot, on wheels or in the water. The purpose was to get fit, have fun and raise much needed funds for breast cancer support services. The initial fundraising goal was $30,000; but our community blew us away and we raised just over $100,000!
Following this incredible event, in 2023 we wanted to grow the challenge so we could raise funds for other breast cancer support services in Aotearoa. These small charitable trusts rely on fundraising to provide vital services to those affected by breast cancer in their community.
In October 2022 we were heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved committee member and Metavivor Terre Nicholson on 16 October 2022. Terre was an invaluable organiser and empathetic moderator of Metavivors. A courageous and inspirational leader who took responsibility and fought for the welfare of others. She initiated the Ibrance petition, combined it with Sue Wall-Cade’s Kadcyla petition and took these to Parliament and the Health Select Committee along with her Metasisters. Terre was an agent for positive change. A valuable, active member of the BCAC Committee.
