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The Breast Cancer Network (BCN) is thrilled to announce that in 2014 they are running weekly meditation classes on Sunday evenings.
Come along and try dragon boating!
As the first breast cancer survivors team to be set up in New Zealand some 16 years ago now, the Busting with Life dragon boat team have heard it all –“I don’t think I can, I’ve never done it before, I haven’t been in a team for years, I’m not very strong right now” - even, “I can’t swim!” And many of these same ladies have tried it and become hooked on the sport. Busting with Life reckon they have got something special going on and they want you to consider being a part of it.
An Auckland breast cancer survivor is urging other women who’ve been through breast cancer to join her and bare all in an effort to demystify mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
Friend of BCAC, Nic Russell, has posted pictures of herself topless online in order to celebrate the gift of life that comes from the decision to have a mastectomy.
Nic was diagnosed at the age of 31 and had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the same time as her two-year-old daughter was fighting cancer.
Nic’s daughter sadly died, but when Nic turned 40 this year, she chose to celebrate by having these powerful images taken of herself topless.
Australian cancer survivor and expert in meditation and mind-body medicine, Dr Ian Gawler, is currently in the country running a range of events on stress relief, relaxation, and meditation to improve health for those with cancer.
Dr Gawler survived bone cancer in the 1970s and set up the Gawler Foundation in Australia to provide people with options for improved health through mind-body techniques, such as meditation.
A fascinating look at breast cancer from politics to human rights will be the topic of discussion at BCAC’s AGM next Friday the 15th of November.
Former breast physician, politician and now the country’s Equal Employment Opportunities commissioner, Dr Jackie Blue, will address the meeting and will discuss her experience of breast cancer as a health practitioner, politician and advocate of human rights.
BCAC chairperson, Libby Burgess, says Dr Blue has been a long-time supporter of women with breast cancer and her talk promises to be thought provoking.
BCAC is excited to see two of its member groups join forces to launch an initiative to fund research into breast cancer in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Trust have joined with the Health Research Council of New Zealand to distribute $400,000 to breast cancer research.
BCAC is thrilled that two breakthrough breast cancer drugs – Kadcyla® and Perjeta® - have recently been approved for use in this country by MedSafe New Zealand.
These two medicines were listed as being among the top advances in cancer treatment and care for 2012 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
MedSafe approval is needed before New Zealand women can be prescribed the medicines, which have been shown to be effective in helping to treat HER-2 Positive breast cancer.
BCAC this week met with the Minister of Health, Tony Ryall, to discuss improvements needed to the health system to ensure women with breast cancer get optimal treatment.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says Mr Ryall was receptive to the issues raised and appears genuinely committed to improving cancer care as is demonstrated by the ‘faster cancer treatment’ initiatives designed to speed up radiotherapy and chemotherapy waiting times.
BCAC congratulated Mr Ryall for convening an expert group, which included patient representation, to develop National Standards of Service Provision for Breast Cancer.
BRA-Day, Wednesday October 16, 2013
Who can have breast reconstruction?
When should I have it?
What kind of surgery is right for me?
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation presents an information evening about breast reconstruction after breast cancer
Leading reconstructive and plastic surgeons present the facts and the options. Real women talk about their surgery.
This FREE session is open to the public and medical professionals. Drinks and nibbles will be served.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is delighted to announce they are teaming up with Storage King NZ during October 2013 to help support New Zealanders with breast cancer.
