People in the Coromandel are being invited to visit Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Campervan for free breast health advice from 9 to 20 November.
The big pink campervan is on its spring tour making stops in Whangamatā, Pauanui, Tairua, Whitianga, Coromandel Town, Colville, Thames, and more to be confirmed.
Every year, two specialist breast nurses travel on board the campervan, taking life-saving breast health education to regional New Zealand. The aim is to spread breast cancer awareness in communities that may not have access to specialist health services, with a focus on visiting hard-to-reach, rural locations.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s chief executive, Ah-Leen Rayner, is encouraging locals to stop by to learn how they can protect themselves from breast cancer: “Early detection of breast cancer is the key to survival. One of the best ways we can save lives from breast cancer is to spread knowledge about the importance of going for mammograms and being breast aware.
“Our friendly nurse educators are keen to reach more New Zealanders with these life-saving messages. They can offer advice about how to lower your risk of breast cancer, what signs and symptoms to look out for and get you enrolled for breast screening. The Pink Campervan is a place where all women are welcome to connect with us and walk away feeling empowered to take charge of their breast health.”
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, with around 305 women diagnosed across the Waikato region every year. The good news is breast cancer is most easily treated when detected early – the 10-year survival rate for women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer via a mammogram is 95%. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ encourages women to be breast aware from age 20 and to consider starting mammograms at 40.
More information is available at breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/pink-campervan, with locations and dates being added as they are confirmed.
