Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women and the third most common cancer overall
It affects one in eight New Zealand women over their lifetime.
About 70% - 75% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 80% of women who die from it are aged 50 years or older. Some women are at greater risk of breast cancer because there is a history of close family members having the disease.
However, most women who develop breast cancer have no relatives with the disease. Even among women who do have relatives with breast cancer, most will never develop it. (Ministry of Health 2015)
While it is less common, young women can get breast cancer too. 6% of breast cancer in NZ occurs under the age of 40 years. Although it is uncommon, men also get breast cancer. About 25 men are diagnosed in New Zealand each year.
Eight New Zealand women, on average, will hear the news today that they have breast cancer.
80% of people with breast cancer survive 10 years or more (95% if detected early on a screening mammogram) but tragically, more than 600 women die of the disease every year.
For every order this month, we will be donating $5 to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Please place an order and help make a difference to someone in need.