BCAC urges Ministers to implement consistent breast density reporting in BreastScreen Aotearoa, linking it to a risk-based pathway with targeted supplemental imaging, primarily MRI, ultrasound, or contrast-enhanced mammography for women with dense breasts and an elevated risk of breast cancer. BCAC is not asking for an automatic MRI or ultrasound for every woman with dense breasts.

“After 100 years, we need to do something” is how Dr Sunil Lakhani summed up a session on lobular breast cancer at Breast Cancer Trials’ recent scientific meeting (Brisbane, July 2026).

Medical oncologists from New Zealand and Australia met recently in Brisbane to discuss research progress with oral SERDs (selective oestrogen receptor degraders) for treating hormone receptor positive breast cancer. These medicines work by reducing oestrogen levels and keeping cancer cells in check.

Breast cancer patients prescribed SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine or sertraline) to help with anxiety and depression after diagnosis need not fear that this will increase the risk of their cancer spreading (metastasis).

Even after six decades of silicone, “every implant fails eventually” according to Australian plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Michael Wagels who spoke at Breast Cancer Trials’ recent Annual Scientific Meeting in Brisbane.

If you have been diagnosed within the last three years and would like to take part in a 10-15 min anonymous online survey aimed at developing better resources to help others through their breast cancer experience, please click on this link. 

This election year, BCAC has joined forces with the Breast Cancer Foundation and 15 other patient advocacy organisations to publicise New Zealand’s shockingly poor access to publicly funded medicines.

Auckland’s two breast cancer dragon boat teams are joining forces to take on the world at the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Dragon Boat Festival in France August 2026.  While fierce competitors on the water during the NZ dragon boating season, both the Pink Dragons and Busting With Life are great mates off the water.

BCAC Chair Libby Burgess has welcomed Minister Seymour’s latest Letter of Expectations for Pharmac, in which he encourages the medicines funder to continue on its path of reform.

As  a member of Pharmac’s Consumer and Patient Working Group over the last 12 months, Libby witnessed at first hand Pharmac’s efforts to reset its culture and processes.

University of Auckland School of Nursing PhD student Xuanyue Zhang is looking for women to participate in a study looking at wellbeing, coping and support among Chinese immigrant women after breast cancer treatment in New Zealand. Xuanyue’s goal is to learn more about the experiences and needs of these women, so that future recovery and support services can be better tailored to their needs.