Registrations open to host Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Rotorua next month

Nadia Lim is encouraging Rotorua and Taupo folk to invite their friends to a Pink Ribbon Breakfast in May. Photo/Supplied

Registrations are now open to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast next month, with celebrity cook and author Nadia Lim encouraging Rotorua and Taupo locals to get involved.

Breast Cancer Foundation hopes to top last year's total of 34 breakfasts in Rotorua and 24 in Taupo.

More than 70 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the Lakes District Health Board area.

Proceeds from this year's Pink Ribbon Breakfasts will go towards breast cancer research and supporting patients undergoing treatment.

Nadia said she was happy to be fronting the Pink Ribbon Breakfast Campaign for the second year in a row.

"Having taken part in Pink Ribbon Breakfasts last year, I know how much fun these gatherings can be, and also how worthwhile.

"It's a fantastic chance to share vital information about breast health while raising much-needed money for a great cause."

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Evangelia Henderson said funds raised would help support New Zealand research into breast cancer.

"We have great researchers doing cutting-edge work in this country, but often there's simply not enough money to take their work forward to clinical trials."

Funds will also help support patients by offering advice, counselling, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

With more than 600 women a year still dying of breast cancer, there was no let-up in the need for research and support, she said.

"Breast cancer patients deserve all the support they can get while enduring what can be grueling treatment, and we are able to make a real difference in many patients' lives," Henderson said.

"Meanwhile, we must relentlessly push for scientific breakthroughs. Without research there will be no progress.

"We are also funding a breast cancer national register which tracks patient treatment and outcomes. This register will help us compare patterns and trends across New Zealand, and against the rest of the world, to help identify areas for improvement.

"We want Kiwi women to have the best possible treatment, and both research and support are a huge part of that," said Evangelia Henderson. "So, please, host a breakfast – your help will make a real difference."

For more information, or to register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, visit www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz

About breast cancer in New Zealand
- More than 3300 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer in NZ – that's nine women a day.
- 90 to 95 per cent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
- Around 350 New Zealand women under the age of 45 (when free mammograms start) will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year – that's one woman a day.
- More than 600 women will die of breast cancer this year.
- The Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand recommends women consider having yearly breast screening mammograms at age 40-49 years of age, then screen every two years from age 50.