Two female comedians have teamed up to tell New Zealanders what not to say if someone close to them is diagnosed with breast cancer.

More than 3300 women and about 25 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand each year, and more than 600 die.

Urzila Carlson and Jackie Clarke are ambassadors for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

They act out a scene showing some of the cringe-worthy comments people make when a breast cancer diagnosis is made, and also some examples of how to say the right thing.