A bright pink campervan offering free breast health advice will take to Bay of Plenty roads for the first time next month.

The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Pink Campervan will visit communities across the region throughout September.

Stops are planned in Tauranga, Te Puna, Katikati, Ōpōtiki, Te Kaha and Whakatāne, and more locations would be confirmed, the foundation said in a media release.

Two specialist breast nurses travel aboard the campervan, providing breast health education and advice, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas where access to specialist health services may be limited.

The campervan will be parked at locations including supermarkets and community centres, and people can stop in without an appointment.

The nurses will also deliver education sessions at workplaces, marae and other community venues.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ head of nursing and community outreach Sarah Timmis encouraged locals to stop by to learn how to protect themselves from breast cancer.

“Early detection of breast cancer is the key to survival,” Timmis said.

“One of the best ways we can save lives from breast cancer is to spread knowledge about the importance of going for mammograms and being breast aware.”

She said the foundation’s nurse educators could provide advice on reducing breast cancer risk, recognising signs and symptoms, and enrolling for breast screening.

The foundation noted that mammograms are not offered on board the Pink Campervan, which is separate from BreastScreen Aotearoa’s mobile breast screening vans.

“The Pink Campervan is a place where all women are welcome to connect with us and walk away feeling empowered to take charge of their breast health.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, with about 210 women diagnosed across the Bay of Plenty each year.

According to the foundation, women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer through a mammogram have a 10-year survival rate of 95%.

The Pink Campervan was launched in 2023, replacing the foundation’s long-serving retro caravan that spent nearly a decade travelling the country delivering breast health education.

Pink Campervan Bay of Plenty schedule

September 1: Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua, Katikati (9am-2.30pm)

September 2: Pirirakau Hauora, Te Puna (9am-2.30pm)

September 3: Te Manu Toroa, Gate Pa (9am-2.30pm)

September 4: Bethlehem Town Centre (8.30am-11.30am)

September 9: Toi Ora Health Clinic, Ōpōtiki (9am-3pm)

September 10: Te Kaha Medical Centre (9am-2.30pm)

September 14: Te Akau Hauora, Pāpāmoa Beach (9am-3pm)

September 16: Merivale Community Centre (9am-3pm)

September 17: Woolworths Katikati (12pm-3pm)

September 23: Welcome Bay Community Centre (9am-3pm)

September 29: PAK’nSAVE Whakatāne (9am-3pm)

October 1: Pirirakau Hauora, Te Puna (9am-2.30pm)