Breast Cancer Support - empowering New Zealand women

emotionally on their journey with breast cancer

The women of BCS offer support & encouragement
from a positive personal experience
to others who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer.

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Make a donation

BCS welcomes donations to support its services and activities.

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We thank:

The Guardian Trust

Lottery Grants Board

COGS

ASB Community Trust

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation


 
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The Breast Cancer Support Help Line

No one should go through breast cancer alone - and that's why we're here.

Read about recent US poll findings that prove the value of speaking with another survivor

Woman on phone187x190Our 0800 Help Line (0800 273 222) is a nationwide, toll free phone line where you can call any time and speak to someone who has 'been there too', someone who can walk with you for a while and talk through some things that only a woman who has experienced breast cancer can know and understand - and to reassure you that you are not alone.

Sometimes you can't always talk to family and friends about what is going on. Even though they are  wonderfully supportive, there are times when you need to talk to someone who has travelled the same path, worn the same shoes. It can be hard for our supporters to truly understand how it is for us and now and then, you may feel as if you're burdening them with your feelings, fears, thoughts and hopes.

We can partner you with someone who has shared a similar journey in similar circumstances. We can put you in touch with our support groups or other community services.  

We're here to listen, to talk, to share information and offer support from a personal experience.

Recent findings of US poll prove value of talking to other survivors
This information has been taken from the Y-Me website, May 2012

Award-winning actress and 9-year breast cancer survivor Edie Falco has become a spokesperson for American breast cancer organization Y-Me which offers a national toll free hotline and comprehensive website focused on the needs of survivors and patients.

“I didn’t know that it mattered so much to speak with someone who had been through it.  I was like a deer in the headlights,” said Ms. Falco.  “I kept my diagnosis private but could have used an anonymous friend who’d been there to talk about the stuff you are left to deal with because the doctors don’t talk about it.  ‘Am I going to lose my hair?  When will it happen?  Were you scared?  Does your family know?’  I’m helping Y-ME because its mission is near to my heart.”

A recent poll conducted by Whitman Insight Strategies for Y-ME, found that 84% of breast cancer patients and survivors say talking to another survivor is one of the most important ways of dealing with the disease, and 68% wish that they could have been connected to other survivors.  A whopping 95% said it was important to have a 24-hour hotline for fellow survivors yet only 14 % were aware that such an organization exists today.

The CEO of Y-ME says she hopes these findings will shift the focus of the breast cancer movement to patient-focused support and advocacy.

“We’re conditioned to raise money for awareness and research, but clearly there’s a need for Y-ME since we focus on patients and survivors every hour of every day,” said Cindy Geoghegan, CEO of Y-ME and 16-year survivor.  
 
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