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Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has partnered with the Health Research Council of New Zealand and Breast Cancer Cure to fund three exciting areas of research. Teams from the University of Otago and Massey University have been granted more than $728,000 for three ground-breaking projects which hope to improve the lives of Kiwis affected by breast cancer and prevent further deaths.
The projects will investigate gene editing to prevent breast cancer in women with the BRCA gene mutation, combating drug resistance during treatment and a new approach to breast reconstruction. Evangelia Henderson, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, says, “After a taxing year that was dominated by Covid-19, it’s encouraging to see some of our leading scientists are still forging ahead with tackling breast cancer. Even though our fundraising has taken a massive hit thanks to Covid-19, we think it’s crucial to keep investing in innovative studies such as these, so that our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer can sooner become a reality.”
Taking place in February and March, the NZ House & Garden Tours are an opportunity to visit exquisite homes and gardens in Auckland, Cambridge, Kapiti Coast, Christchurch and Dunedin – all in support of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. We need wonderful people who are willing to volunteer in Dunedin on 19 and 20 February. To say thanks, you'll be given a ticket so you can check out the other houses.
The Breast Cancer Foundation National Register is a rich database of patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer since 2000. Last year, BCFNZ committed to expand the National Register to cover the entirety of New Zealand, and we achieved this goal in the New Year! That means everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will be included in the National Register, no matter where they are in the country. This is important, as the National Register allows us to have a greater understanding of the nature of breast cancer and its treatment in New Zealand, such as which treatments work best for which patients.
With the SBS Pink Ribbon Visa, you can help fight breast cancer without putting your hand in your pocket. SBS Bank will donate $20 to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ for every account opened successfully, and every time you use your card SBS Bank will donate 5 cents to BFNZ.
The holidays are over and it's all hands on deck again. Our nurses are here to help, whether you have questions, need advice or would like support. Get in touch for free on 0800 226 8773 or email breastnurse@bcf.org.nz. You can also join our online community, mybc, to share your story and ask for advice.
There's been plenty of talk about the gut microbiome, and now researchers are investigating whether it could be linked to breast cancer. Researchers are looking into a specific microorganism and whether it plays a part in making breast cancers more aggressive. Read our latest blog for the research - and how you can keep your gut microbiome happy and healthy.
