Our vision is a future free from the fear of breast cancer. We Believe that breast cancer can and should be survivable.
Our History
Founded in 1997 in response to the high number of women facing invasive treatments such as mastectomies and breast reconstruction, Breast Cancer Cure was built on the belief that investing in world-class breast cancer research here in New Zealand could genuinely change outcomes. From the outset, the mission has been clear: to fund transformative research that improves precision in prevention, enables earlier and more accurate diagnosis, advances treatment, and ensures equitable outcomes and quality of life for all those affected by breast cancer.
Our Story
We are proud to collaborate with some of New Zealand’s finest, bringing together visionary scientists, leading education institutions, renowned fashion designers and Michelin-star chefs, alongside innovative, forward-thinking Kiwi companies. Working closely with the Cancer Research Trust New Zealand, we support the research sector while actively addressing inequities and improving outcomes for those diagnosed with breast cancer across Aotearoa.
Our iconic Fashion for a Cure events captivate audiences nationwide, showcasing the latest collections from leading New Zealand designers, while experiences such as Dine for a Cure, Kathryn Wilson Stilettos in the Vines and Conversation for a Cure celebrate the very best of local fashion and food. Our Tees for a Cure have been worn and loved since the early 2000s, featuring artwork created by leading New Zealand designers. At the heart of everything we do are our researchers. Research is pivotal to advancing understanding and finding a cure for breast cancer, and we are privileged to support some of the brightest research minds in New Zealand who are dedicated to that goal.
Our Impact
With the generous support of New Zealanders and local businesses, Breast Cancer Cure has funded more than $11 million in significant research grants over the past 28 years. These efforts have helped slow the breast cancer death rate by around 1 percent per year, with 91 percent of women diagnosed early now surviving beyond five years and 86 percent beyond ten years. However, for the remaining 14 percent there is still no cure, and our focus remains firmly on these women and the 20–30 percent who go on to develop advanced breast cancer. Our funded research is redefining what a cure can look like, driving progress in earlier detection, more accurate diagnosis and prognosis, more precise and humane treatments, and better quality of life and survival outcomes, with a strong commitment to equity. With no direct government funding, continued support is essential, because research remains central to understanding breast cancer and to preventing, managing and ultimately curing it. The better we understand breast cancer, the better we can fight it.
$12+
million in funding
has been achieved for research funded by Breast Cancer Cure
60+
projects funded
across seven NZ Universities and 21 International Institutions
200+
scientists involved
in our funded research projects
