BCFNZ Pink Ribbon Breakfast

The Breast Cancer Foundation’s very popular annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign kicks off again this May.  By hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast on 25 May you can get together with friends, workmates and whanau, enjoy some yummy food and raise much-needed funds to support BCFNZ’s vital work. All of the money raised goes to supporting patients, ground-breaking research, and education campaigns to promote the importance of early detection. Head to www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz to register.

Walk 50K this May for incurable breast cancer

Join Sweet Louise this May as we walk 50K to raise funds to support Kiwis diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. This 50K walking challenge is designed so you can walk when you want, where you want, and with whoever you want! Walk or run. Go solo or set up a team. Complete the 50K in one weekend or spread across the whole month – the choice is entirely up to you! The money raised from this challenge will help Sweet Louise to continue to provide practical and emotional support to women & men with advanced breast cancer.  Simply sign up today, invite your friends, and start walking from May 1.

Breast Cancer Research Trust annual appeal

You can support the Breast Cancer Research Trust annual appeal by visiting our bucket collection stand at the Chartwell Shopping Centre in Hamilton from Monday 15 May to Friday 19 May 2023 (coinciding with International Clinical Trials’ Day celebrated on the 20th). Our friendly volunteers are looking forward to seeing you there! For more information visit www.breastcancerresearch.org.nz

Aotearoa 100k's in 30 days

1 – 30 May join Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust's challenge and clock 100 kilometres in 30 days either on foot, on wheels or in the water this May. Get fit, have fun and raise much needed funds for breast cancer support services across Aotearoa. Join us at www.100ksin30days.nz

Treatment side-effects webinar

Breast Cancer Trials' next online Q&A will discuss side effects of breast cancer treatment. You can register for free here.

Everyone’s breast cancer experience is different, including the impact of treatment. BCT's panel will discuss research to improve treatments and reduce side effects, side effect management, as well as sharing personal stories and advice.

Some people may experience few or mild side effects, while others may have long-lasting issues that continue after treatment has finished.

Breast cancer treatments aim to destroy cancer cells and treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, surgery, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. While there are many benefits to having treatment – namely saving lives – some treatments don’t just affect cancer cells but may also affect healthy cells too.

Side effects from treatment can vary greatly and can be influenced by type of breast cancer, the location of the disease, age and different types of treatment.

Common side effects may include: fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, skin and nail problems, menopausal symptoms, lymphoedema, weight loss or gain, poor appetite and diarrhoea.

In addition, breast cancer treatment can also affect a patient’s mental health, their relationships, their ability to work, to look after children and to function in their day-to-day life.

It’s unlikely that those diagnosed with breast cancer will experience many or all of these side effects. But quality of life, support and survivorship care are important areas of discussion in the treatment of this disease.

In this upcoming free and online Q&A, Breast Cancer Trials will explore research that’s aimed at improving treatments that have less side effects, strategies to manage side effects both during and after treatment, and we’ll hear personal stories and advice from those who have a breast cancer experience.

Jess Coate Fitness Expo

BCAC is thrilled to hear that Jess Coate is running a Fitness Expo fundraiser at The Atrium, Wintec, Tristram St, Hamilton. Tickets available here. All women, of all ages and fitness levels, are welcome to attend.