BCFNZ's battle for free GP visits continues
"When every cent of my budget is accounted for with the basics, where does $25 come from? The only thing that can be eaten into is the food bill."
For Cheryl Carr (second from right), seeing her doctor can mean going without food for herself and her 12-year-old daughter. She's not alone: those living with advanced breast cancer (ABC) often face a huge financial burden. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ believes that seeing a GP to manage their symptoms shouldn't be one of them.
Watch Cheryl's powerful story of the financial impact of ABC
Back in February we presented our petition calling for free GP visits for ABC patients to to MP Maggie Barry. Recently our Board of Trustees Chair Justine Smyth, chief executive Evangelia Henderson and research and advocacy manager Adèle Gautier presented our case to the Health Select Committee. You can watch the presentation on the Health Select Committee Facebook page.
Thank you to those who have shared their story with us in support of this petition 💕
Is this you?
There's evidence that breast cancer is found earlier when GPs do breast exams, even if you can't feel a lump. We want to know if your doctor has done a breast exam during a routine appointment in the last five years. Take the survey at the link below...
Thank you! 💗💗💗
We are so blown away and so thankful for our Pink Ribbon Breakfast hosts – all 1,700 of you! Massive thanks to everyone who hosted or attended a Breakfast. Your generous support will help fund our vital work in education, research and support and advocacy.
Walk for the ones you love
The Pink Ribbon Walks are back in Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland! Dig out your pinkest outfit and walk 5km or 10km to raise funds for breast cancer research, patient support and education programmes. Sign up to walk in your city here.
Reporting on the Register
Who gets breast cancer in New Zealand? How do we treat it? What are our survival rates for five and 10 years after a diagnosis?
We're in the process of creating our Register Report for the Breast Cancer Foundation National Register, which will answer those questions and more. We'd love to hear what you want to know about breast cancer in New Zealand. Send your questions to intouch@bcf.org.nz
Those with advanced breast cancer (ABC) have many decisions to make,
from treatment pathways to personal considerations. Oncologist Dr David Porter, psychologist Dr Geraldine Tennant and patient Noralle Olive will discuss how those with ABC can navigate the decision-making process.
Join us tonight (5 August) at 7pm and get your questions ready for our panel.
Building resilience with breast cancer
You may have heard the word 'resilience' more and more as we recognise the importance of looking after our mental health. In a nutshell, resilience is the ability to thrive in tough times – like after a breast cancer diagnosis or during treatment. Building resilience brings many health benefits (physical and mental). Learn how to build resilience in our blog post.
Sweet support
We're thrilled to announce our continued partnership with The Griffin's Food Company, following the huge success of their two limited edition products last October. Joining us as a Platinum Partners, they've committed to raising $75,000 a year for the next two years to support our vital work.
Griffins MD, Dan Gilbert, said: "Part of our vision in writing Griffin's next winning chapter is to partner with local organisations that make a real difference to Kiwis. As makers and bakers of New Zealand's favourite snacks, it's a privilege for us to partner with Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and support the amazing work they do in our local communities."
Keep an eye out for their delicious Griffin's Pink Raspberry Mallowpuffs and Eta Uppercuts Pink Himalayan Sea Salt chips on shelves again this October!
