BCAC urges you to sign this petition, lodged by Caroline Cooke, asking the government to fund Keytruda for early stage triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). BCAC applied to Pharmac for funding of Keytruda for early and advanced TNBC in November 2022. In October 2024 Pharmac approved funding of this medicine for advanced TNBC, but not for early stage TNBC, even though this was recommended by their own clinical advisory committee in 2023. Read more about this here.

Pharmac’s announcement that they will fund the breakthrough medicine Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan, T-DXd) from 1st January 2025 for advanced HER2 positive breast cancer (HER2+ ABC) is fantastic news.

Libby Burgess, chair of BCAC, says: “We’re delighted to see this vital medicine funded given the outstanding results from clinical trials showing that Enhertu keeps the cancer stable for four times as long as the previous best treatment and increases length of life. Read more about this here.

Auckland researcher Dr Marta Seretny is looking for volunteers to take part in a study of ‘chemo brain’ or ‘brain fog’ that some women report while undergoing chemotherapy for their breast cancer. This side-effect is not well understood and by looking at MRI brain scans of women before and after treatment, Dr Seretny hopes to understand what is actually going on and what could be done to alleviate the effects. Read more about this here.

A cancer diagnosis can feel like the world has suddenly shifted beneath you, bringing uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming emotions. BCAC member Jan Haworth, who runs Mindfulness Aotearoa, recently shared how Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) helped her navigate her breast cancer journey - offering a way to face uncertainty, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with joy, even amid treatment. With growing evidence supporting its benefits, mindfulness is a powerful tool for anyone experiencing the challenges of cancer. Learn more about how it can help you or someone you love. You can read Jan's article here.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and Sweet Louise have just launched their Breast Cancer Journey Mapping Project. The aim is to better understand the experiences of New Zealand women who have faced breast cancer and to use the insights gained to ensure that all women have a better experience. Read more about this here.

BCAC member group Kenzie's Gift is 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. Read more about this here.

BCAC member group Terrier Race Against Time posted this summery story about their sunflower fundraiser in February. Read more about this here.

BCAC is very grateful to Trudi Corbett of ABC Breast Care Ltd, who shared her story and helped us to update our information on mastectomy bras and breast prostheses. You can check this out here.

We are also grateful to those who helped us to update our list of psychologists and counsellors and gave us new ideas for restoring eyebrows and eyelashes after chemo.