Latest News
Check out what the team at Breast Cancer Support Northland Trust have planned for this year. Read all their latest news in their recent newsletter.
10 April 2019
BCAC is pushing for a special silicon dressing that helps to reduce skin damage during radiation therapy to be used nationwide.
The silicon film, called Mepitel film, is placed over the area to be irradiated and can reduce skin reactions to radiation therapy by more than 90 per cent, according to a study carried out by Otago University.
BCAC understands the film is available to all patients in Wellington and selected patients in Auckland, but patients in other regions have to pay for the special dressing.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says that’s not good enough.
Plans are afoot to set up a nationwide service for New Zealand women who are at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
The proposal has been put forward by Dunedin consultant, Dr Simone Petrich, who works as a breast surgeon and obstetrician and gynaecologist.
“In these roles I see women from a breast as well from as from a gynaecological perspective and I’ve noticed shortcomings in the current structure which I hope will be overcome with the introduction of a service for women at high risk of these types of cancers," she says.
Dr Petrich, says the aim is to establish a structured system to not only identify those families at high risk, but to ensure they receive the follow-up care they need based on clear national guidelines.
Check out all the recent news from the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust in their latest newsletter.
27 June 2019
Trial design
This trial investigated whether a Mediterranean diet improves health outcomes for women who have been treated for early stage breast cancer. The trial was the first of its kind in New Zealand and was run by the Department of Nutrition at the University of Auckland.
The study investigators aimed to test whether a Mediterranean diet helps those who’ve been treated for breast cancer to lose weight, reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and lower inflammation levels in order to improve overall health.
The investigators say obesity, metabolic syndrome and inflammation are all associated with increased risk of cancer development, progression and recurrence.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is calling for urgent action following three recent studies which highlight inequalities in access to screening and treatment for Māori women with breast cancer.
The three studies, all published this year, show that Māori women have higher rates of advanced cancer; experience longer delays in getting surgical treatment; and have lower rates of breast cancer screening.
BCAC chairperson, Libby Burgess, says the findings are a wake-up call for more to be done for Māori women with breast cancer.
The first-ever New Zealand forum dedicated to expanding knowledge about advanced breast cancer takes place in Auckland this week.
The Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) Forum aims to provide “knowledge, support and empowerment” to those who have been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, also known as secondary or metastatic breast cancer.
It has been organised by the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) and well-known support organisation, Sweet Louise and will feature presentations from medical experts, therapists, advisers on quality of life issues, and patient advocates.
Chief executive of the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation, Evangelia Henderson says she hopes the forum will expand people’s knowledge about advanced breast cancer.
A Waikato study has found that Māori women wait longer for breast cancer surgery than New Zealand European women.
The longer delays for treatment are thought to be a significant contributing factor in the lower survival rates for Māori women compared with non-Māori in New Zealand.
Storage King NZ is turning pink this month to help support the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) and the thousands of New Zealand women diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Throughout October, Storage King NZ will donate $1 to BCAC from every tea chest sold and will transform its stores in a swathe of pink to promote Breast Cancer Action month.
It’s the third year in a row Storage King has joined forces with BCAC to help raise money for Kiwis with breast cancer and BCAC chairperson, Libby Burgess, says their support is invaluable.
“More New Zealand women are being diagnosed with breast cancer each year so the need is great.
BCAC is speaking out in support of the thousands of New Zealanders with metastatic breast cancer today: Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Secondary breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain or liver. It is incurable.
BCAC chairperson, Libby Burgess, says thousands of women in New Zealand are living with secondary breast cancer and they deserve special recognition and support.
“All of us in BCAC are inspired by the women we meet with secondary breast cancer. They live their lives with enormous courage and face many daily obstacles as they navigate the health system.
