PĀNUI
NEWS
Ka Wātea Te Kōrero: Breast Cancer Awareness In Our Whānau
17 / 06 / 2025
We strongly believe that protecting your health is protecting your whakapapa. As we prepare to host our Pink Ribbon Breakfast, we also want to create space for kōrero around breast cancer, a disease that continues to affect many of our wāhine and whānau across Aotearoa.
"Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini"
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand women and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Māori wāhine are not only more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than non-Māori, but also experience a mortality rate around 50% higher.
While breast cancer survival rates are improving, equity in early detection and care is still a challenge, and that’s where our collective efforts can make a difference.
At He Waka Tapu, via our Wāhine Ora service we’re committed to making health care more accessible.
Whether it's cervical, bowel or breast screening, we understand that whakamā, transport, cost, childcare and even fear can be real barriers. That’s why our team of dedicated wāhine kaimahi are focused on reducing these challenges and helping our people take the next step toward healthier futures.
Here’s what you can do today to support the kaupapa:
- Talk to your māmā, your aunties, your sisters, your friends
- Ask if they’ve had their mammogram
- Encourage them to kōrero with their GP or contact us directly
- Let them know breast screening is free, safe and available
- Remind them they don’t have to do it alone
If you’re aged between 45 and 69 and haven’t had a mammogram in the last two years, you may be eligible for free breast screening through Screensouth. If you’re unsure where to start, kōrero with us. Our team can help with booking, explain the process, and even pick you up for your appointment.
