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On these pages you'll find more information about how and where to get support as you undergo treatment for breast cancer. We've also provided information about support for different groups of women.

For a full list of BCAC's member groups and the support they offer please click here.

We hope you'll find the information and the groups we refer to helpful in making your breast cancer journey easier.

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.

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.

Breast cancer in New Zealand

• Every day up to nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand (Ministry of Health).
• Around five to ten per cent of breast cancers are hereditary i.e. a breast cancer gene (e.g. BRCA1 or BRCA2) has been passed on. However, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history of the disease.
• The risk of breast cancer increases with age, but does affect some women in their twenties and thirties. Around five per cent of all cases will affect women under the age of 40.
• Mǡori women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than non-Mǡori women and more likely to die of the disease. See some breast cancer statistics here.
• Breast cancer is primarily a woman's disease, but around one per cent of cases will affect men (Ministry of Health).
• Every year, more than 650 women die from breast cancer in New Zealand, almost two every day (Ministry of Health).
• Be ‘breast-aware’. Early detection saves lives. Look out for changes in the appearance of the skin, nipple or breast. Visit your doctor if you notice anything unusual and make sure you are satisfied with the response. Enrol for the free national breast screening programme at age 45 and return every two years for your mammogram.
• View a summary of the latest breast cancer statistics here.
• Check out the Standards for Service Provision for Breast Cancer Patients in New Zealand  - these standards describe the level of service a person with breast cancer should have access to in New Zealand.

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 need further information ask your doctor.

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) provides a united voice and support for New Zealand women who have experience of breast cancer.

Together, we work to make world-class detection, treatment and care accessible to everyone with breast cancer in Aotearoa.

Formed in 2004, BCAC is run by breast cancer survivors and is an umbrella organisation representing more than 30 breast cancer-related groups.

We provide information, support and representation for those with breast cancer so they can make informed choices about their treatment and care.

We are an incorporated society and at the heart of our organisation is a strong concern and empathy for women and their families who are going through breast cancer.  

If you would like to join with us to help improve breast cancer treatment and care in Aotearoa New Zealand, email us for a group membership form or an individual membership form. Membership of BCAC is free.

If you would like to donate, please click here to go to our donation page. All donations are gratefully received and enable us to continue providing our wide range of services to women and their families.