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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when pink takes centre stage to raise awareness, honour survivors, and remember those suffering from the most common cancer among women worldwide.
In New Zealand, around 3500 women and 25 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Despite progress in research and care, more than 650 people still die from the disease annually, making it the leading cause of cancer death for Kiwi women under 65.
The nationwide push for free screening programmes has already helped save lives, contributing to a 34 per cent reduction in breast cancer death rates. However, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is aiming higher, with an ambitious goal: to bring that number down to zero. Achieving this means improvements in early detection, faster treatment pathways, and long-term support for patients and their families need to continue.
The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ believes that a future is possible where no one dies from breast cancer.
“Breast cancer will probably still exist, but we’ll catch it early, and treat it better to prevent it spreading (breast cancer rarely kills unless it spreads beyond the breast). And if it does spread, we’ll have treatments and support to keep people alive for a very long time – just as now happens with HIV, diabetes and several other conditions that used to be a death sentence but which are now manageable over the long term.”
One of the month’s most anticipated events is the Pink Ribbon Ride on October 12, which sees riders on motorbikes, bicycles, and trikes gather in a powerful show of solidarity. The ride begins in St Johns and finishes at Eden Park, with a growing number of participants every year. It’s more than a spectacle, it’s a visual show of community support and a fundraiser helping fuel essential services and awareness campaigns.
In addition to public events, businesses across Aotearoa New Zealand are stepping up to help. Several well-known brands are releasing limited-edition pink products, with a portion of proceeds going directly to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Among the contributors are Griffin’s Pink Peppermint Biscuits, Eta Uppercuts, Active Dishwashing, The Good Oil, and New Zealand Pink Lady Apples. The Foundation says that these partnerships not only raise funds but help put the conversation around breast health into everyday settings such as supermarkets and lunchrooms.
There are many ways you can support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ this month. Wearing pink on Fridays or hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast or fundraiser at your workplace or school helps raise both awareness and funds. Donations can also be made directly through the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ website. Supporting the campaign by purchasing pink-branded products in stores is another simple but impactful option. Look out for the Pink Ribbon street appeal on October 16 and 17.
You can also encourage your whānau and friends above 45 to get regular screenings, as early detection significantly improves outcomes. Sharing stories, information, and resources on social media is another effective way to help normalise conversations around breast health. Whether it’s a small act of kindness, a donation, or starting a conversation, your contribution can make a real difference.
