Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand (BCFNZ) say over 50,000 women are overdue for their mammograms, due to breast screenings being unable to occur during COVID-19 lockdowns.

They say this means up to 300 breast cancer diagnoses have gone undiagnosed and untreated among Kiwi women, and without urgent action the catch-up could be too late for many.

BCFNZ is now calling on central government to commit $15 million to urgently clear the mammogram backlog and prevent women being diagnosed too late. 

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ says breast cancer is already the leading cause of death for New Zealand women under 65, with Māori and Pacific women most at risk.

“Mammograms are one of the most effective ways to reduce deaths from breast cancer, so it's absolutely vital that women can access timely mammograms.” 

That’s why we’re asking New Zealanders to join our call to the Government – please act now to stop more women from being diagnosed with breast cancer too late.” 

The #GiveUsOurMammograms campaign, which began on 1st May, aims to put pressure on government to clear the mammogram backlog. 

People are being asked to take a photo of themselves holding a #GiveUsOurMammograms poster and upload it online.

BCFNZ say they will collate as many photos as possible and deliver them to government. 

Coinciding with the campaign will be BCFNZ's biggest annual fundraising initative - Pink Ribbon Breakfast, in which members of the community host a breakfast and donate all proceeds to the charity. 

However, BCFNZ say they are now facing a 50% drop in Pink Ribbon Breakfast registrations compared to last year.

BCFNZ is non-government funded, and say the charity needs to increase registrations to hit its $2 million fundraising target.  

“Covid has not only sent New Zealand’s world-class breast screening programme spiralling backwards, it’s also harmed our ability to serve the women impacted by this upheaval,” says Rayner.

“The money raised from every Pink Ribbon Breakfast – no matter how small or simple – will help to support these women.”

“The funds will also go towards our work to restore and transform breast screening in NZ, in our mission to reach zero deaths from breast cancer.” 

People can sign up to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz