A new report from the Breast Cancer Foundation reveals alarming shortcomings in New Zealand’s advanced breast cancer surveillance, with more than half of cases diagnosed only after patients report symptoms themselves.
According to the foundation, 51% of advanced breast cancer diagnoses occur post-symptom onset, raising concerns about missed opportunities for earlier detection and treatment.
Mehdi Shahbazpour, Head of Research at the foundation, said the findings are particularly worrying because most of these patients have a prior history of breast cancer and are already known to the health system.
“We should have known these people are at risk and been able to follow up and screen them,” Shahbazpour said.
Call for a Standardised, Nationwide Approach
The foundation is calling for a consistent, nationwide system for breast cancer surveillance and follow-up. Such a system, it says, would improve early detection rates and expand treatment options for patients.
Additionally, the foundation urges the Government and Pharmac to increase funding for early breast cancer medicines to ensure patients have access to the latest treatments.
Personal Stories Highlight Urgent Need for Change
Kāpiti resident Pauline Hornblow knows the risks firsthand. She was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer two years after completing treatment for early-stage breast cancer, following persistent back pain.
“If that hadn’t happened, the tumour on my spine may have gone undetected,” Hornblow said. “It would have been good to have a guideline—these are the things you should look out for to protect yourself.”
Hornblow emphasizes that while treatment is vital, non-medical support such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle guidance is also critical. She wants people to understand that life with stage-four breast cancer can still be fulfilling.
“Lifelong learning, curiosity, and setting yourself challenges are all part of it. You’ve got to have something to live for,” she said.
Government Response
Health Minister Simeon Brown acknowledged the report, highlighting government initiatives to improve cancer care.
“We have reintroduced the Faster Cancer Treatment target to reduce delays and improve coordination of care, with the expectation that people receive their first treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat,” Brown said.
He added that Health New Zealand has implemented a tracking system that intervenes if a patient does not have a treatment date by day 20.
“The Government’s $604 million budget boost to Pharmac has funded more modern medicines, including two new treatments for advanced breast cancer, giving more patients better options and more time with their families,” he said.
Rethinking Advanced Breast Cancer Care
Shahbazpour said the report highlights the urgent need to rethink how advanced breast cancer is managed in New Zealand.
“Patients in advanced stages often feel abandoned and forgotten by the health system,” he said. “But with advances in medicines, people are actually living much longer. You can live a happy, long life while on treatment for advanced breast cancer.”
