Govt petitioned to reduce risk of breast cancer

Breast Cancer Network NZ Inc Media Release November 9th 2006

For Immediate Release

Today Breast Cancer Network NZ Inc presented a petition to Parliament calling on Government to bring down the incidence of breast cancer in NZ.

At Parliament today, Breast Cancer Network NZ Inc presented a 10,700-signature petition calling for a breast cancer strategy aimed at reducing the incidence of the disease. The petition was received by MP, Sue Kedgley.

The incidence of breast cancer in this country is among the highest in the world. We can no longer justify any delay in tackling the rising incidence of breast cancer. There will always be a need for more research to be done, and breast cancer is a complex disease. But there is substantial body of evidence that shows that environmental and lifestyle factors influence breast cancer risk; this evidence is sufficient to provide sound, comprehensive information to the public, and it can form the basis for government action to reduce harmful environmental exposure.

Breast cancer remains a killer disease for more than 600 women every year in spite of earlier diagnosis, new surgical techniques, anti-oestrogenic drugs, new chemotherapeutic agents and a falling mortality rate. Those who experience the disease suffer major physical, emotional and financial impact on their lives, as do their families.

The Breast Cancer Network NZ petition asks government for a breast cancer strategy focused on reversing the rising incidence of breast cancer in New Zealand. Additionally, it asks that government acknowledge that synthetic chemicals in the environmental have a role in the development of breast cancer, and asks that New Zealand women are tested to establish the level of residues carried in their bodies. Finally, it requests that a precautionary approach be adopted with all chemicals where there is evidence of a link with breast cancer.

A prevention strategy is a long-term strategy that will have greatest impact on our daughters and granddaughters, but can also reduce breast cancer risk for women today. For the sake of our women, present and future, we call on Government to do all within its power to reduce the incidence of this disease.

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Breast Cancer Network NZ Inc is an independent group of New Zealand women, most of whom have experienced breast cancer. We promote the issues and needs of those affected by breast cancer, advocate for improved treatment and care, and work towards the prevention of the disease for the benefit of the whole community. More about Stop Cancer Where it Starts, and breast cancer and the environment is available on line at www.bcn.org.nz.

ENDS

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