Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science – a day to celebrate the achievements of women in the sciences and to inspire the next generation of female researchers, innovators, and leaders. At Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, we’re privileged to have a dedicated team of researchers, data analysts, and innovation developers who are driving change every day to reach our goal of zero deaths from breast cancer. One of these people is Ngaire Polwart, the Report Writer at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. She brings not only her background in medical publishing and research, but also a deeply personal connection to the cause. As a woman in the field, Ngaire is using her knowledge and skills to create meaningful change for women affected by breast cancer in New Zealand. She says “Breast cancer research is a fascinating area, full of hope. The positivity that surrounds it makes you feel like you're truly making a difference.” Having incredible women in science allows us to be at the forefront of research and medical innovation that advances breast cancer treatment and detection. So, here’s to all the women in science🎉 ✨. #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience

This #WorldCancerDay, we’re highlighting the critical role of hormone therapy (HT) in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, which accounts for 75% of diagnoses. HT is the most effective treatment to prevent recurrence and improve long-term survival. However, adherence remains a significant challenge, with up to 50% of patients discontinuing treatment due to side effects and lack of support. The global theme, “United by Unique,” reminds us of the importance of people-centred care in improving health outcomes. By focusing on the whole person—not just the disease—we can empower patients to stay on this lifesaving treatment. 💬 What strategies have you seen work to improve adherence to hormone therapy?

Today, on World Cancer Day, we acknowledge and honour all those impacted by cancer. We remember those we've lost, support those living with cancer, and stand with the families, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates driving change. Cancer is more than a diagnosis—it’s a journey that brings strength, resilience, and hope to all.

Findings from the PATINA trial were shared at the world-renowned San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December last year. The trial reported “incredible” gains in progression-free survival for advanced triple positive breast cancer - increasing survival from 29 months to 44 months when Ibrance (also called palbociclib) was given alongside anti-HER2 therapy such as Herzuma, compared to Herzuma on its own. Ibrance is a CDK 4/6 inhibitor and is already publicly funded in New Zealand for advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, breast cancer. The addition of Ibrance resulted in a “significant and clinically meaningful improvement” in survival for people with advanced triple positive breast cancer – hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer. As a result of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ funding for a dedicated breast cancer clinical trial co-ordinator in New Zealand, Auckland was the top recruiter in Australasia for the PATINA trial. This result is fantastic, and we must thank the Kiwi women who participated. Special thanks to Dr David Porter, principal investigator for the study at Health New Zealand | Te Toka Tumai Auckland. These impressive results mean it's time for a conversation about whether Ibrance should become part of the funded standard treatment for HR+/HER2+ advanced breast cancer. To read about currently recruiting clinical trials, please visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gPeW8inK

“A completely new approach to imaging” is being tested as part of an exciting new clinical trial for people with lobular breast cancer. Lobular breast cancer is the second most common type of breast cancer, with around 450 women diagnosed in New Zealand each year. Complexities in diagnosis and response to treatment mean patients with lobular breast cancer are far likelier to either receive more aggressive treatment than necessary or insufficient treatment, putting them at greater risk of their cancer returning or spreading. Dr Remy Lim, who is the medical director of Mercy Radiology, has been awarded a $550,000 research partnership grant over 4 years from Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to conduct the trial, which is now recruiting patients from public hospitals across New Zealand. The study aims to use a newly discovered radioactive tracer called Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor (FAPI) in PET-CT imaging to accurately diagnose and stage lobular breast cancers. Dr Lim says, “by proving this is a more effective way to assess the extent of disease, patients will be able to receive treatment that is more reliably tailored to them and avoid unnecessary treatment.” This trial is possible thanks to generous donations from people like you who are helping to support research and innovation so people diagnosed with breast cancer can live long, happy and fulfilling lives.

We are delighted to learn Dr Malcolm Mulholland has been shortlisted for the New Zealander of the Year award. We work alongside many hardworking advocacy groups and individuals to push for new drugs and treatments so those living with breast cancer can live long and happy lives. Malcolm is one of these amazing individuals. His advocacy journey began in May 2018 when his wife, Wiki, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Together, they campaigned to fund vital drugs like Ibrance (palbociclib) and Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine). In 2021, Malcolm founded Patient Voice Aotearoa, which has submitted over 20 Parliamentary petitions for more than 50 medicines. Malcolm’s efforts have played a major role in raising awareness about access to medicines and the impact lack of access has on New Zealand families. He has been instrumental, pushing for the first ever independent review of Pharmac and eventual decisions to fund life-changing new drugs. Throughout all this, Malcolm remained devoted to his wife Wiki’s care and wellbeing, until her death in November 2021. Since then, he has been committed to the fight for new medicines, so other families may not lose their loved ones. We are thrilled to see Malcolm’s selfless work honoured. Join us in showing your support for Malcolm to be awarded New Zealander of the Year. Share this post with #NZOTY

From our whānau to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday! 🌞🎁🎄 This is a reminder that our nurses will be offline for the public holiday tomorrow, but will be back online on Friday. Please don't hesitate to give us a call and leave a message on 0800 226 8773, or send an email through to breastnurse@bcf.org.nz and they will get back to you as soon as they can.

Our very own Innovation Development Manager, Dr Hannah Holtkamp, has been awarded a scholarship to attend the 2024 Alamo Advocate Program in partnership with the world-leading San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in the United States. The annual symposium is one of the most significant and influential international breast cancer conferences with thousands of attendees from over 90 countries. It brings together experts in oncology, radiology, surgery, pathology, and epidemiology. Topics cover everything breast cancer related, but Hannah is most intrigued by key areas including artificial intelligence (AI) in breast cancer, immune biomarkers and sessions about risk reduction and early detection. Hannah is thrilled to be awarded this scholarship. “Attending the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and Alamo Advocate Program is a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of cutting-edge research and advocacy strategies. I aim to bring back insights that will empower Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to champion patient-centred innovations and improve outcomes for those impacted by breast cancer in New Zealand.” We are incredibly proud of Hannah and look forward to sharing more about her experience.

Pharmac has announced today that Enhertu (also called trastuzumab deruxtecan or T-DXd) will be publicly funded from 1 January 2025 for people with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer! In Pharmac’s initial proposal to fund Enhertu there were two groups who were overlooked. However, following submissions from both Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition, Pharmac confirmed today that people whose cancer has worsened after previously trying another drug called Kadcyla can have Enhertu, and that Kadcyla will still be available for those who can’t take Enhertu due to intolerable side effects. We are so excited that New Zealanders with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer will finally have easier access to ground–breaking and life-extending treatment they need. For more details head to our website: https://ow.ly/ijbQ50UmbgV

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has recently worked with the Public Fundraising Association (PFRA) - a group of charities and telefundraising agencies across NZ - as part of an early adopter group to develop the first ever self-regulatory framework for telefundraising. We’re super proud to have been able to participate and collaborate with such a diverse range of sector stakeholders through a robust process to build public trust in telefundraising. The framework focuses on ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical practices within the industry: empowering organisations to uphold the highest standards. As part of this initiative, we’re committed to working together to encourage a better donor experience, reduce risks, and provide professional development for fundraisers. It’s a significant step forward for the not-for-profit sector, and we’re thrilled to be contributing to this positive change. If you’d like to read more about the framework and its impact on the fundraising sector, check out the full article below.