Your opinion counts
You are a valued supporter of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, and your kind contributions have really made a difference.
Your opinion matters to us. And so we have developed our first ever supporter survey to hear your thoughts, understand what matters to you and how we can keep you informed about the incredible impact you are making with each donation you make.
As we receive no government funding we are reliant on wonderful people like you to make a difference and to support women affected by breast cancer. Women like Anastasia who recieved a diagnosis of breast cancer at just 23 years old.
More about the survey
You can also help us by telling us more about why you support us, how we can tell you about the impact you have made. Alongside finding out about what you know about breast health, and how confident you are about reaching out for support.
You are the people who make it possible for us to support women affected by breast cancer and to advocate on their behalf for better treatments and care.
So, as well as telling us your thoughts we would ask if you could consider making a further kind donation. Thank you for you dedicated, ongoing and kind support.
Please feel reach out to us with any comments or questions by emailing us at survey@bcf.org.nz or contacting us at
Your support makes a difference to women like Anastasia
Anastasia was only 23 years old when diagnosed withs stage 4 breast cancer. Breast cancer at this stage is incurable.
"Because I'm stage 4, doctors don't trust that my body is able to stay in any sort of remission. So, I'll either be on treatment until this diease progresses, or until I can't handle it anymore. I guess we just wait."
This is the reality, the future of Anastasia's entire family. Her husband Sam and two children Three year old Xavier and baby Esmae.
Anastasia has endured brutal side-effects from hair loss, burns, blood clots, infections, severe migraines and vomiting. As well as mouth ulcers which prevented her from eating and saw her weight drop to just 42 kils, while radiation has affects her spine, ribs and lungs.
Despite it all, the only thought is for her children. What the future would like if it included her still around.
"They know mummy's unwell. Mummy needs to sometimes go to the doctor and sometimes have surgery. The most challenging part was after my mastectomy. I was really upset that I couldn't even hold my kids. I couldn't do a thing. Not even comfort them. I even said, I feel like I'm not a mum for them."
After all that, the unexpected happened.
A CT scan revealed Anastasia had a large tumour in her brain.
"Surgery happened on August 17th, my birthday. I was turning 25. I ended up with 27 staples, and a piece of my skull missing."
Anastasia continues to take things day by day, making ebery moment count with her family.
Frequently asked questions
Why have I recieved a survey?
You are a valued supporter and we want to understand more about what motivates your giving and why you support us. We're also looking to find out what you know about breast health and where to get support.
Why have I got a survey in the post and by email?
Because we want to make it accessible for you to fill it out. You can choose to return the survey by post or by email.
Why are you spending money on postage?
Many of our wonderful supporters find it easier to receive communications from us via post rather than through email. We carefully manage our postage costs and on average it costs just over 50 cents to send a letter.
All of our letters are printed on FSC paper which means that the trees are grown in sustainably managed forests. The inks we use are soy-based vegetable inks so that we can manage the impact on the environment.
Your information is in safe hands with us. All transactions are 100% SSL secure and encrypted, and we never store your credit card information.
A breast cancer diagnosis presents many challenges, and they're not all medical.
After your diagnosis, you may benefit from the support services we offer, like counselling, physio, or our 0800 BC NURSE helpline.
Breast cancer is most treatable when it’s found early.
From age 20, it’s important to know the look and feel of your breasts, and show any changes to your doctor. From age 40, we recommend you start regular mammograms.
