Submissions on reducing incidence of breast cancer

Breast Cancer Network NZ Inc Media Release 4 September 2007

For immediate release

Health Select Committee to hear submissions on reducing the incidence of breast cancer in New Zealand.

At Parliament tomorrow (5 September), Breast Cancer Network NZ Inc will submit evidence in support of their call for a breast cancer risk reduction and prevention strategy aimed at reducing the incidence of the disease.

On November 9 2006, Barbara Mason and Gillian Woods of the Breast Cancer Network presented a petition to Sue Kedgley on the steps of Parliament calling for action on breast cancer. The petition was immediately referred to the Health Select Committee and tomorrow Ms Woods and Ms Mason, together with Dr Meriel Watts, will make a strong representation on behalf of the 10,969 signatories to the petition, and the New Zealanders affected by breast cancer, for the government to act to reduce the incidence of the disease.

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 the disease. 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 submission will ask government for a breast cancer strategy focused on reversing the rising incidence of breast cancer in New Zealand. They will ask that government acknowledge that synthetic chemicals in the environment have a role in the development of breast cancer and that New Zealanders be tested to establish the level of residues carried in their bodies. In addition, they will request that a precautionary approach be adopted with all chemicals where there is evidence of a link with breast cancer.

ENDS

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