She's bright pink and she's here on a mission - to help educate Northlanders about breast cancer - a disease that kills about 35 women in the region every year.
The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ's iconic pink caravan, 'Pinkie', is in the region this month, with specialist breast nurses available to chat about breast health.
"Every year Pinkie goes on an education tour around New Zealand with our specialist breast nurses, and we're thrilled to be visiting Northland in May, which is also Pink Ribbon Breakfast Month. It's a great chance to talk about mammograms, get advice about checking your breasts, and learn how you can reduce your breast cancer risk," said Ah-Leen Rayner, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ's chief executive.
Around 160 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Northland every year, and around 35 will die from it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for New Zealand women but research shows the earlier it is detected, the better the outcome.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ encourages women to be breast-aware from the age of 20 and to consider starting mammograms at 40.
