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BCAC was formed in November 2004 with twelve member groups and now, in 2024, we have more than 30 breast cancer-related member groups and over 60 individual members.
See below for a full list of our member groups and information about their activities.
We invite membership applications from breast cancer-related groups and individuals with an interest in supporting our work. Membership to BCAC is free. Please email us and we will send you an application form.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition provides a voice for New Zealand women who have experienced breast cancer. We strive to make world-class detection, treatment and care accessible to all those affected by breast cancer in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
We provide information, support and representation, empowering those with breast cancer to make informed choices about their treatment and care.
BCAC is administered by a committee of women, most of whom have had breast cancer. Their experience of breast cancer has motivated us to dedicate ourselves to improving the care and treatment offered to others diagnosed in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our committee members are:
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Libby Burgess - Chair |
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition is thrilled its chairperson, Elisabeth Burgess (Libby), has been recognised in the 2011 New Year’s Honours.
Ms Burgess has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work with women, their families and communities affected by breast cancer.
The Coalition’s deputy chair, Dr Chris Walsh, says the award is well-deserved.
“This recognises Libby’s passion, dedication and determination to improve the lives of women with breast cancer.
There are a number of screening tests available to identify tumours in the breast or surrounding tissue. These include:
Knowing your breasts and what is normal for you is one of the best ways to detect new breast changes. This is called being breast aware and it is key in identifying any changes in your breasts which could be worrying.
Any woman of any age can practise breast awareness. It simply involves knowing what your breasts look like and how they ordinarily feel so that you can easily identify any changes.
Clinical trials are research studies in which new treatments are tested against current standard treatments. They involve patients taking new drugs or undergoing new treatments to see whether these are effective in combating disease.
There are numerous breast cancer clinical trials currently underway throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world. These aim to identify new and more effective ways of treating breast cancer or ways of preventing it from occurring.
A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is not a journey that is made alone. The woman diagnosed takes her husband, partner, children, parents, siblings and friends with her.
If you’re supporting a woman through breast cancer, on these pages you'll find some tips on how to help her and some advice on how to cope yourself.
A diagnosis of breast cancer, the subsequent treatment and life afterwards is not just physically tough - it takes a psychological and emotional toll as well.
It’s important to have support throughout the different phases of your breast cancer journey.
Below you’ll find information on coping with a new diagnosis and the physical, emotional, and financial challenges breast cancer can force you to face.
On these pages you'll find more information about how and where to get support as you undergo treatment for breast cancer. We've also provided information about support for different groups of women.
For a full list of BCAC's member groups and the support they offer please click here.
We hope you'll find the information and the groups we refer to helpful in making your breast cancer journey easier.
