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The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) says women can have confidence in the country’s breast screening programme and must continue to use it.
A group of clinicians and consumers from across the breast cancer spectrum have come together to form a working group to improve breast cancer care throughout New Zealand.
A New Zealand breast clinic will soon start using an innovative new software, which helps to measure breast density resulting in the more accurate identification of tumours.
The software has been developed by Wellington technology company, Matakina, and is already being used in the USA, South Korea and Malaysia.
Hereditary breast cancer or breast cancer that is driven by mutations in the genes is responsible for up to 10 per cent of breast cancers.
To learn more about breast cancer and genetics, you can click here to view a video of a Q and A session on this topic run by Breast Cancer Trials.
Hereditary breast cancer can often be a very difficult form of cancer to deal with because women or men who are diagnosed may worry about other members of the family who could carry the high-risk genes.
Hereditary breast cancer is responsible for up to 10 per cent of breast cancers and genetic testing is available for women and men who think they may carry the gene mutation responsible for this type of breast cancer.
Here, Sianan Keating of New Zealand’s Genetic Health Service answers questions about hereditary breast cancer and genetic testing for the disease.
“Informative”, “helpful” and “useful" – these are the words newly diagnosed women use to describe the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition’s Step by Step support pack, according to a recent analysis of feedback.
Since 2010, BCAC has distributed more than 3000 Step by Step support packs to New Zealanders diagnosed with breast cancer.
The support packs include an information booklet on breast cancer, a diary to record details of a breast cancer treatment programme and a journal for women to record their thoughts and feelings.
More than 150 people have responded to a request for feedback and all those who provided comments had positive things to say.
Research into sub-types of breast cancer, imaging and new targeted therapies are becoming increasingly important, attendees at the Australia New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) Annual Scientific Meeting were told.
BCAC committee member Moana Papa attended the meeting in Tasmainia recently, as one of three breast cancer consumers through the IMPACT programme (Improving Participation and Advocacy for Clinical Trials).
Moana says she felt privileged to attend the conference, which updates medical practitioners on the latest in breast cancer research.
BCAC this week celebrates the passion and commitment of committee member Jenny Williams who worked tirelessly to raise awareness of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Jenny died last week, four years after being diagnosed with IBC, and after the cancer had spread to her liver.
BCAC's May fundraiser, Show your heart for women living with breast cancer, has raised more than $60,000 to help New Zealanders battling the disease.
Conducted with the support of Arnott’s Tim Tam, the month-long campaign saw 20 cents donated to BCAC for every pack of Tim Tams sold during May from Countdown, Super Value or Fresh Choice supermarkets.
BCAC deputy chair, Dr Chris Walsh, says “This is a fantastic result and we are extremely grateful to our longtime supporter Arnott’s. Without their commitment and backing, BCAC simply could not do what it does for New Zealanders with breast cancer. Also, this year we must acknowledge the great support of Progressive Enterprises Ltd, the owners of the supermarkets involved.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition is backing an international move to see psychological and social care recognised as an integral part of cancer treatment.
BCAC has endorsed a statement on standards and clinical guidelines in cancer care issued by the International Pscyho-Oncology Society (IPOS).
The IPOS International Standard of Quality Cancer Care states that:
• quality cancer care must integrate the psychosocial domain into routine care
• distress should be measured as the sixth vital sign after temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and pain.
