![Ally Armstrong](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Ally%20Armstrong%20web.jpg?itok=tmBIrsse)
Ally Armstrong was 47 when she was called up to have a routine mammogram as part of the BreastScreen Aotearoa free screening programme for women aged 45 to 69.
Ally duly went for her mammogram, but was asked to come back for a follow-up mammogram and a biopsy.
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16 May 2014
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is delighted Budget 2014 outlines increased funding to further improve cancer services for New Zealanders.
Yesterday’s Budget announced an additional $32.7 million over the next four years for cancer services.
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New Zealand artist, Penny Stotter, is ‘showing her heart’ for women with breast cancer this month with the release of a limited edition ceramic plate featuring a stylised heart.
The printmaker is joining forces with the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) and Arnott’s Tim Tam to support the annual Show Your Heart for Women Living with Breast Cancer fundraiser.
![Win this beautifully designed Penny Stotter plate and support BCAC](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Show%20your%20heart%202014_1.jpg?itok=hMOeaHS5)
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition is asking you to "show your heart for women living with breast cancer" by buying Arnott's Tim Tam biscuits from Countdown supermarkets for the next month to help us support New Zealand women with the disease.
![The Boobops showing off new paddling shorts purchased with funds donated by the Cancer Society.](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Boobops%20Gold%20Medal%20season%202014%20web.jpg?itok=_7c6jQDs)
The Tauranga-based Boobops have had another successful dragon boating season winning six gold medals and one silver in the space of five weeks! They competed in three festivals including the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival, the Auckland Regionals Dragon Boat Festival and the National Championships in Ashburton.
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.
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.
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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 member, Melissa Bell, who was involved in the clinical trial to test Mepitel film in radiation treatment on breast cancer patients](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Melissa%20Bell%20web.jpg?itok=OExdNqKw)
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.
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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.