On these pages you can check out the latest breast cancer news from BCAC and our member groups. We also provide up-to-date information and links to current breast cancer research and clinical trials. Read latest stories below, or use the filters or the pager below for other stories. Use the form to the right of this to subscribe to our e-News.
Researchers hope that three new breakthrough drugs designed to target triple negative breast cancer could potentially transform therapy for those with the hard-to-treat disease.
There are currently no targeted therapies for those with triple negative breast cancer leaving medical care reliant on traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) wants to see a breakthrough new radiation technology used more widely to treat thousands of New Zealand women with breast cancer.
Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy (also known as IORT) is used in women with low-risk early-stage breast cancer and means they receive a single shot of radiation during surgery to remove the tumour.
BCAC committee members have developed an action plan to improve access to clinical trials in New Zealand following an advocates’ workshop in Sydney last week.
Breast Cancer Cure invites you to attend their Fashion for a Cure Show on Thursday 19th May.
Proudly supported by ASB and Fuji Xerox Breast Cancer Cure will showcase some of New Zealand’s top fashion designers including Andrea Moore, Moochi, Liam, RUBY, Coop, Trelise Cooper, Taylor, Storm, Zambesi (showing both men and women’s) and men’s label Working Style whilst raising funds towards finding a cure for breast cancer.
If you have breast cancer you are eligible for a free influenza vaccination and now is the best time to be immunised before the winter ‘flu season arrives.
The annual immunisation is recommended for people with ongoing medical conditions, who are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia.
The latest review of New Zealand’s access to new and innovative medicines presents a damning picture of underfunding for cancer medicines.
Attending the Inaugural International Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Congress in Sydney late last year was a fascinating and valuable experience for BCAC committee member, Greer Davis.
The congress was titled “Crossing Boundaries and bringing it all together” and really focused on the complex nature of treating and supporting young people with cancer.
BCAC is pushing for a special silicon dressing that helps to reduce skin damage during radiation therapy to be used nationwide.
The silicon film, called Mepitel film, is placed over the area to be irradiated and can reduce skin reactions to radiation therapy by more than 90 per cent, according to a study carried out by Otago University.
Plans are afoot to set up a nationwide service for New Zealand women who are at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
The proposal has been put forward by Dunedin consultant, Dr Simone Petrich, who works as a breast surgeon and obstetrician and gynaecologist.