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The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition’s (BCAC) Step by Step support pack for those newly diagnosed with breast cancer is bigger and better than ever following an extensive review to enhance the resource.
Around 5,000 copies of the third edition of Step by Step have just been published and this year BCAC welcomes the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) as principal funder for the much-loved support pack, which features an information book, a diary to record medical procedures and a journal.
Better breast cancer treatment and care for all New Zealanders should be on the horizon thanks to the introduction of new national standards for breast cancer care.
The Standards of Service Provision for Breast Cancer Patients in New Zealand were developed by a clinical working group chaired by renowned Waikato breast surgeon Ian Campbell and made up of cancer experts, such as surgeons, oncologists, nurses, and consumer representatives including BCAC’s Libby Burgess.
The standards describe the care and services a person with breast cancer should have access to, no matter where they live in the country.
An Auckland breast cancer survivor, who recently posted pictures of herself topless online in order to celebrate the gift of life that comes from the decision to have a mastectomy, was just one of the subjects in an exhibition by photographer Lara Boddington which took place in Devonport, Auckland last month.
Ally Armstrong was 47 when she was called up to have a routine mammogram as part of the BreastScreen Aotearoa free screening programme for women aged 45 to 69.
Ally duly went for her mammogram, but was asked to come back for a follow-up mammogram and a biopsy.
16 May 2014
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is delighted Budget 2014 outlines increased funding to further improve cancer services for New Zealanders.
Yesterday’s Budget announced an additional $32.7 million over the next four years for cancer services.
In particular, BCAC applauds the funding allocated for specialist psychological staff and up to 20 cancer support workers who will ensure patients diagnosed with cancer and their families receive more support and counselling.
BCAC has repeatedly highlighted the need for better psychological services for breast cancer patients and their families so it is very encouraging to see the issue being addressed.
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is tough. It takes a toll on you physically and emotionally, but it can be easy to ignore your emotions or feelings because you're so focused on your physical health.
Please don't ignore your mental health. Women who have experienced breast cancer are at increased risk of depression so it's extremely important to get professional help if you think you might be suffering from depression.
Any combination of the following symptoms can be a sign you have depression:
New Zealand artist, Penny Stotter, is ‘showing her heart’ for women with breast cancer this month with the release of a limited edition ceramic plate featuring a stylised heart.
The printmaker is joining forces with the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) and Arnott’s Tim Tam to support the annual Show Your Heart for Women Living with Breast Cancer fundraiser.
As part of the campaign, 20 cents from every pack of Arnott’s Tim Tam biscuits sold in Countdown supermarkets between May 12 and June 8 will go to BCAC. A handful of lucky winners will receive one of the artist’s beautifully designed heart plates.
Ms Stotter says she was delighted to create a limited edition work to support Kiwi women with breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition is asking you to "show your heart for women living with breast cancer" by buying Arnott's Tim Tam biscuits from Countdown supermarkets for the next month to help us support New Zealand women with the disease.
Between May 12 and June 8, 20 cents from every packet of Arnott's Tim Tam biscuits sold in Countdown supermarkets will go to BCAC to help us continue to provide support and information to the thousands of Kiwi women diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
The Tauranga-based Boobops have had another successful dragon boating season winning six gold medals and one silver in the space of five weeks! They competed in three festivals including the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival, the Auckland Regionals Dragon Boat Festival and the National Championships in Ashburton.
The team now take a well-earned break during April and May before getting back into some winter training. Towards the end of the winter this will become training for the IBCPC International Breast Paddlers Commission World Festival which is taking place in Sarasota, Florida, USA in October.
Marcia Sinclair had never had a mammogram and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, she tells all women, young and old, to get regular mammograms.
“When I got breast cancer, I’d never been for a mammogram because I’d been put off after hearing about the experiences of some other women so I was devastated when I was first diagnosed. Now, I tell every woman to get a regular mammogram – it could save your life,” she says.
The 71-year-old breast cancer survivor was first diagnosed nearly 20 years ago after discovering a small lump in her breast about the size of the pea.
