Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October in Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Aotearoa
Every October, Aotearoa turns pink, not just in colour, but in collective intention. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when communities, fmaily, organisations, and individuals come together to raise awareness, support those affected, and push for earlier detection and better outcomes.
This year, let’s lean into action. Let’s move beyond awareness and into doing, because early detection saves lives.
Why October matters: the stakes and the opportunity
- When detected early (stage 1 or 2), breast cancer in NZ has a 92 % 10‑year survival rate.
- Unfortunately, about 15 % of all diagnoses in NZ are late stage (stage 3 or 4) a proportion that has not shifted significantly in over a decade according to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
- In a 2024 Ipsos‑commissioned survey of 1,000 New Zealanders, 92 % knew they should check their breasts, but 57 % admitted they often forget.
- Although most respondents (80 %) said they know what their breasts normally look and feel like, 43 % had not looked at them in the mirror in the past six months, and 40 % had not palpated them for changes. https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/bcam
These numbers tell us that knowledge is there, what’s missing is turning awareness into consistent habits.
What’s happening this October (2025)
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ leads many of the national campaigns and events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Here are key initiatives:
- Pink Ribbon Walks
Walk in support of those affected: Sunday 5 October in Auckland, and Sunday 12 October in Christchurch. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ - Pink Ribbon Street Appeal
On Friday 17 & Saturday 18 October, thousands of volunteers will collect donations across the country. - Shop for Good / Pink Products
Select partners donate a portion of sales from “pink products” during October to support early detection, treatment and patient support. - “Know Your Normal” & “Touch, Look, Check”
Campaigns to encourage every person with breasts to know how their breasts usually look and feel, so they can notice changes early. - Mammogram promotion
Promoting regular mammography: women have up to a 95 % chance of surviving 5 years or longer if cancer is detected by screening. - Free resources & education materials
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ offers free downloadable and orderable resources (leaflets, booklets, posters) on breast health, symptoms, and support. https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/bcam - Webinars & storytelling
The foundation and partner organisations host webinars, patient-story events, and videos to connect, inform, and humanise the experience.
These are not just “events” they’re opportunities for connection, education, and momentum.
What you can do this October (or anytime)
Here are practical actions your blog readers, community or organisation can take:
1. Know your normal and check regularly
Become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If something changes (lump, thickening, alteration in contour, skin changes, nipple changes, unusual pain), see your GP as soon as possible.
2. Get screened / mammogram when eligible
If you’re in the age group where mammograms are recommended (45-years and older), take advantage of screening services. Early detection remains your best protection.
3. Support or volunteer in campaigns
Join a Pink Ribbon Walk. Sign up as a volunteer for Street Appeal. Help your business promote “pink products.” Every donation and every volunteer hour matters.
4. Share stories & raise awareness
Share personal stories, local hero journeys, and survivor voices. Human stories help others feel seen, heard and motivated. Use social media, newsletters, and workplace comms. Use hashtags (e.g. #BCAwarenessNZ, #PinkRibbonNZ).
Link to reliable sources like Breast Cancer Foundation NZ for credible information and resources.
5. Educate especially in underserved communities
Outreach to Māori, Pasifika and rural areas where barriers to information, screening and service access exist. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s education programmes aim to increase awareness and access in these communities. https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/bcam
6. Support those diagnosed
Encourage people to access counselling, peer support groups, helplines (e.g. BCFNZ’s Breast Nurse 0800 number) and services for practical support (prostheses, wigs, financial, transport).
7. Advocate for equity, funding & research
Raise awareness of disparities in access to care, push for funding for breast cancer research, and support policy changes that make early detection and treatment more accessible across the motu.
