Marcia Sinclair had never had a mammogram and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, she tells all women, young and old, to get regular mammograms.
“When I got breast cancer, I’d never been for a mammogram because I’d been put off after hearing about the experiences of some other women so I was devastated when I was first diagnosed. Now, I tell every woman to get a regular mammogram – it could save your life,” she says.
BCAC is blown away by the efforts of Azia Tua who vowed to shave off her hair once she raised more than $1,000 for us in memory of her Aunty who died of breast cancer in 2010.
The 32-year-old set up a facebook page and asked people to donate to BCAC - in return she would shave her hair off. Last week it all came off!
The mum-of-two says she’d do anything to help provide support for the breast cancer cause.
BCAC is thrilled at the results of a New Zealand study that found a special silicone dressing can help to dramatically reduce skin damage during radiation therapy for breast cancer.
The research, carried out by the Department of Radiotherapy at the University of Otago, has found that placing a special silicone film called Mepitel Film over the area to be irradiated can reduce skin reactions to radiation therapy by more than 90 per cent.
This year the Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) will hold its 36th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Wellington, New Zealand, from 16-19 July.
If you have breast cancer you’re eligible for a free influenza vaccination and now is the best time to be immunised before the coming season of winter ills sets in.
The annual immunisation can protect you from influenza and the health complications this serious disease can cause when you’re vulnerable due to cancer treatment.
BCAC’s new Metavivors NZ group is pushing to see the chemotherapy drug, Abraxane, funded so that women with secondary breast cancer no longer have to pay privately for it.
BCAC recently helped to set up the Metavivors NZ group for women with advanced breast cancer to advocate for better treatment, support and care for this group.
BCAC is fighting to get Sovereign Insurance to change its policy and reimburse women for the full cost of a breast reconstruction.
NZ House and Garden House Tours
Event Dates: 7 – 28 March, 2014
Where: Auckland Friday March 7
Wellington Friday March 14
Christchurch Friday March 21
Auckland Country Tour Friday March 28
For more information and tickets visit: www.nzhouseandgarden.co.nz
For the second year running, BCAC has funded a young New Zealand breast cancer survivor to attend the annual C4YW conference for young women with breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) recently helped to set up a ‘Metavivors’ group in order to advocate for better treatment and care for women with advanced breast cancer.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says women with secondary breast cancer have specific needs and all too often these are ignored or not prioritised.