Latest News
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.
Ten Designers. One Room. One Night. One Cause.
Auckland Show 19 May 6-8pm
Wolf of Water Street
5-7 Water Street, Grafton Auckland
Ticket prices are $75 per person and include wine, canapés and a goody bag.
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.
New Zealand's Medicines Landscape 2015 has just been published by Medicines New Zealand, along with a specific examination of cancer medicines called Cancer in New Zealand.
The reviews find that New Zealand funds only 14 per cent of the highly effective medicines available for the eight most common cancers.
They also note that for some cancers New Zealand funds no specific 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.
Check out what the team at Breast Cancer Support Northland Trust have planned for this year. Read all their latest news in their recent newsletter.
10 April 2019
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.
BCAC understands the film is available to all patients in Wellington and selected patients in Auckland, but patients in other regions have to pay for the special dressing.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says that’s not good enough.
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.
“In these roles I see women from a breast as well from as from a gynaecological perspective and I’ve noticed shortcomings in the current structure which I hope will be overcome with the introduction of a service for women at high risk of these types of cancers," she says.
Dr Petrich, says the aim is to establish a structured system to not only identify those families at high risk, but to ensure they receive the follow-up care they need based on clear national guidelines.
Check out all the recent news from the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust in their latest newsletter.
27 June 2019
Trial design
This trial investigated whether a Mediterranean diet improves health outcomes for women who have been treated for early stage breast cancer. The trial was the first of its kind in New Zealand and was run by the Department of Nutrition at the University of Auckland.
The study investigators aimed to test whether a Mediterranean diet helps those who’ve been treated for breast cancer to lose weight, reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and lower inflammation levels in order to improve overall health.
The investigators say obesity, metabolic syndrome and inflammation are all associated with increased risk of cancer development, progression and recurrence.