Latest News
The fear of breast cancer coming back is one of the most common issues faced by people diagnosed with breast cancer.
Recently a panel of experts from Breast Cancer Trials (Australia and NZ) discussed the latest in research and clinical trials, living with the fear of recurrence and how to manage that fear, as well as what help is available.
This informative online discussion, with a question-and-answer session, was recorded and is free to view, so if you missed it live you can still see it here.
15 May 2022
Please vote for BCAC so that we can send out more support packs. BCAC is excited to announce that we are one of 11 worthy organisations selected for the NZ Post Delivering for Good programme. This means that we will receive a year’s worth of free courier services with NZ Post, so that we can continue to send a free Step by Step pack out to every woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer. But the journey doesn’t end there. We now have the opportunity to receive a second years’ worth of courier services and need your vote.
BCAC is deeply disappointed by a report on cancer medicines released by the Cancer Control Agency, Te Aho o Te Kahu. We’re stunned to see that Te Aho o Te Kahu has identified only one breast cancer drug as needed but not funded in New Zealand. This is completely out of step with Australia and other countries and disregards international guidelines on breast cancer treatment. There are eighteen breast cancer medicines funded in Australia and not in New Zealand. These all have clinical benefit and many are recommended to New Zealanders with breast cancer, but only those who can afford to pay privately can be treated with them.
Dragon boating is a great way to increase fitness and have fun with other breast cancer survivors. BCAC member groups, Busting with Life (based in Auckland) and Waikato Treasure Chests (based in Hamilton), are both on the look-out for new team members. Contact details and latest news from these two teams can be found here:
21 April 2022
BCAC sends huge congratulations to former Committee Member Irene Kereama-Royal who has been awarded a scholarship by Hei Āhuru Mōwai (Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa) and the Cancer Society. Irene’s PhD research looks into the reasons for mistrust among whānau Māori with participating in genetics research and identifying the potential of genomics health to lift Māori health inequities in cancers. Irene (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto) will use her own whānau’s personal journey with cancer and achieving whānau wellbeing through the knowledge of genomics health as part of her research.
Knowing our genetic risk of diseases such as BRCA-related breast cancer can be lifesaving, but New Zealand insurance companies can use this knowledge to discriminate against us.
BCAC has joined Against Genetic Discrimination Aotearoa (AGenDA), a group of doctors, researchers, lawyers, Māori, Pasifika, medical charities and patient groups to fight this discrimination.
European experts now recommend that breast density be reported with every mammogram and that women with extremely dense breasts be advised to undergo additional screening, given their greater risk of breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition makes submissions and applications to Government, Te Whatu Ora, Pharmac and health organisations with the aim of improving the access to, and quality of, treatment for women with breast cancer.
On this page you can view the recent submissions and applications we've made.
2025
Terrier Race Against Time (a charity set up to provide support to all people diagnosed with breast cancer in the Tairawhiti area) was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to sell PYO Sunflowers in February 2025. Geordie and Caroline Witters (longtime supporters of our charity) have planted sunflowers in between their young citrus trees for four years running and allow us to set up a stall to sell them for $3 per stem. It’s such a fun day for families to come and roam around the sunflowers, take photos and take a few sunflowers home with them! We made $6500 over the two weekends, which is a great help towards our packs that we provide to every person with breast cancer upon diagnosis.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Kenzie's Gift "Grief Podcast”.
This heartfelt podcast is for rangatahi (young people), by rangatahi who have experienced the death of a significant loved one. Hosted by the inspiring Sasha Douglas, who first connected with Kenzie's Gift after her mum died of breast cancer when she was only 17. The podcast creates a compassionate space for young people across Aotearoa to share their stories.
Sasha and her guests dive into:
• the challenges of grief
• what helps (and what doesn't)
• how sharing stories can make grief feel less lonely
