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The early detection of breast cancer can save lives. Discovering a tumour early and beginning treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you survive a diagnosis of breast cancer.
On these pages, you’ll find more information about breast cancer risk and the different ways to detect breast cancer.
There are many different treatment options for breast cancer. In this section, you’ll find more information about the different types of treatment.
BCAC has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, but there is no substitute for the expert advice of your medical team. If you are unclear about something or require further information, ask your doctor.
More than 1,700 post-menopausal women who have been treated with hormonal therapy for more than four years are invited to take part in this clinical trial run by the Australia New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG).
The study examines whether being given the drug Letrozole a year or more after completing hormonal therapy can prevent or delay breast cancer from recurring in postmenopausal women.
It is already known that Letrozole can help to prevent breast cancer from recurring if it is taken soon after diagnosis. The LATER study will determine whether it is effective if taken a long time after diagnosis and after hormonal therapy.
Starting shoulder exercises soon after surgery for breast cancer can result in a significant improvement in recovery of movement, according to Australian researchers.
They said upper-limb dysfunction was a common side effect of breast cancer surgery.
After reviewing 24 studies, they concluded starting exercises in the first three days after surgery resulted in better recovery of movement than delaying exercise, but added: “This approach may need to be carefully weighed against the potential for increases in wound drainage.”
The following abstract summary of the study is taken from the Cochrane Collaboration.
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.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect New Zealand women - every year around 3,500 women and 25 men in this country will be diagnosed.
In the drop-down menu above, you will find more information about the early detection of breast cancer, diagnosis and treatment of the disease and support if you've been diagnosed.
Below are some statistics about breast cancer in New Zealand. Remember that most women survive a diagnosis of breast cancer and go on to live long and healthy lives.
