Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand is urging Pasifika and Māori women to protect their health and get tested.
In Aotearoa 650 women die every year of breast cancer. Sadly it is the leading cause of death for women under 65.
Alarming statistics show that Wahine Māori are 35% more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer and 33% more likely to die.
More concerning, it is revealed that Pasifika women are 20% more likely to be diagnosed and 52% more likely to die.
Early detection is key and the best way to beat the disease is when tumours are small and haven’t spread, they are easier to treat.
Tokelauan primary school teacher, ‘Caroline’ is urging Pasifika women not to be shy and get tested.
“As a Tokelauan, I think there’s also a cultural element that holds us back – having a Polynesian background means there can be whakama or embarrassment around your breasts,” says Caroline.
In July 2024, the 49-year-old initially went to the doctor to seek out perimenopausal symptom support because she had breast pain. On her doctor’s advice, she went for a mammogram which found cancer.
“Once I got the diagnosis, everything happened quickly. I had a lumpectomy in August, and they took some lymph nodes – it turned out cancer had spread into one of them,” she says.
“It was then four months of chemo, then straight into three weeks of radiation treatment. I was back in the classroom for the start of Term one and I’m thankful I responded well to all of the treatment that was available to me.
“Now, my hair is starting to grow back, and I’ve recently had my first annual check-up which was all clear.”
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s vision is to see zero deaths from breast cancer but, with no Government funding, they rely entirely on donations from the public and partners to continue to carry out this lifesaving work.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the foundation is encouraging the public to go to their website to help donate and raise awareness.
For Caroline who is based in Manawatū, the mother of three is grateful that she made time to see her GP, a life changing decision that she wants all women in particular, Pasifika mothers, sisters, aunties and daughters, to make.
“I’m a busy person and breast cancer stopped me in my tracks. Ignoring the signs is not an option, don’t delay seeing a doctor or brush it off.”
The difference early detection has made for me is that a year later, I can say I’m cancer-free.
The fact I can say that now is a huge motivator to encourage other women to get to know what’s normal for their breasts and get checked quickly if they notice anything that’s not normal for them. It saved my life, and it could save yours too.”
For more information visit the Breast Cancer Foundation website.
