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A New Zealand breast clinic will soon start using an innovative new software, which helps to measure breast density resulting in the more accurate identification of tumours.
The software has been developed by Wellington technology company, Matakina, and is already being used in the USA, South Korea and Malaysia.
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Hereditary breast cancer is responsible for up to 10 per cent of breast cancers and genetic testing is available for women and men who think they may carry the gene mutation responsible for this type of breast cancer.
Here, Sianan Keating of New Zealand’s Genetic Health Service answers questions about hereditary breast cancer and genetic testing for the disease.
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“Informative”, “helpful” and “useful" – these are the words newly diagnosed women use to describe the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition’s Step by Step support pack, according to a recent analysis of feedback.
Since 2010, BCAC has distributed more than 3000 Step by Step support packs to New Zealanders diagnosed with breast cancer.
![BCAC committee member, Moana Papa (centre), and Australian IMPACT advocates Leslie and Maryanne](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Moana%20at%20IMPACT_4.jpg?itok=8CcYi9Wh)
Research into sub-types of breast cancer, imaging and new targeted therapies are becoming increasingly important, attendees at the Australia New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) Annual Scientific Meeting were told.
![Jenny Williams - determined to raise awareness of IBC.](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Jenny%20Williams%20pic_3.jpg?itok=vTYEbzFw)
BCAC this week celebrates the passion and commitment of committee member Jenny Williams who worked tirelessly to raise awareness of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Jenny died last week, four years after being diagnosed with IBC, and after the cancer had spread to her liver.
![BCAC's Celia Motion, Arnott's Steph Chobra and Olly Wilson, BCAC chair Libby Burgess and Arnott's Kevin Gallen](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Arnott%27s%20cheque.jpg?itok=X7QP91LZ)
BCAC's May fundraiser, Show your heart for women living with breast cancer, has raised more than $60,000 to help New Zealanders battling the disease.
Conducted with the support of Arnott’s Tim Tam, the month-long campaign saw 20 cents donated to BCAC for every pack of Tim Tams sold during May from Countdown, Super Value or Fresh Choice supermarkets.
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The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition is backing an international move to see psychological and social care recognised as an integral part of cancer treatment.
BCAC has endorsed a statement on standards and clinical guidelines in cancer care issued by the International Pscyho-Oncology Society (IPOS).
The IPOS International Standard of Quality Cancer Care states that:
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A new study shows that younger women aged 40 to 49 who undergo screening mammograms are diagnosed with breast cancer at an earlier stage and with smaller tumours.
The research, carried out by University Hospitals in Cleveland, USA, also found that screening mammograms were more likely to identify lesions on the breast that are not cancerous, but are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
![L to R: Marli Gregory (BSA), Evangelia Henderson (BCAC), Jacqui Akuhata-Brown (BSA) and Libby Burgess (BCAC).](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/BSA%20meeting%2023rd%20May%202012%20web.jpg?itok=IjAYu3h-)
Latest figures show that 71 per cent of New Zealand women are taking advantage of the free breast screening programme available to those aged 45 to 69 through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is particularly pleased to see that screening rates for Māori and Pasifika women appear to be on the rise.
Latest figures from BreastScreen Aotearoa show that in the two years to March 31, 2012:
![The new Cancer Consumer Representative Advisory Group gathers for their inaugural meeting.](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Cancer%20Consumer%20Rep%20Advisory%20Grp%202012.jpg?itok=6cuZSX5N)
The inaugural meeting of the Cancer Consumer Representative Advisory Group was held on 29th March 2012. This group has been set up to provide advice on the support, recruitment, development and training for cancer consumer representatives across the cancer spectrum. BCAC committee members Dr Chris Walsh and Rowena Mortimer are members of the group whose membership is made up of representatives of the regional cancer networks, NGO's, cancer groups and Māori.