Breast Screening

BreastScreen Aotearoa

BreastScreen Aotearoa is New Zealand’s free national breast screening programme. The programme provides  mammograms to all New Zealand women aged 45 to 69 (and some 70- to 74- year olds).

Mammograms can save lives by finding breast cancer early.

Is it your time to screen?

Visit New Zealand’s Cancer Screening website at  www.timetoscreen.nz

Phone 0800 270 200 

What is breast screening?

If you are aged 45 to 69, have your free breast screen (mammogram) every 2 years.

If you are aged 70 to 74, you may also be eligible for screening. Click here for information for women aged 70 and over.

A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts. A mammogram can be used to find early signs of breast cancer before you can see or feel changes.  Mammograms can save lives by finding breast cancer early.

Getting a mammogram

Your appointment will be at a clinic or on a mobile breast screening bus.

You will stand at an x-ray machine. Each breast will be placed on a machine and firmly pressed between two plates for a short period. You will feel some pressure that can be uncomfortable.

Normally, two x-rays are taken of each breast at different angles. If you have large breasts they may need to take more.

The amount of radiation from the x-rays is very small, about the same as a chest x‑ray, and is very unlikely to cause harm.

Getting your results

You should receive your results within 3 weeks.

If nothing is found, you will get a letter. If something needs further investigation, or the mammogram result was unclear, you will be phoned. You may need more tests to find out what's going on. These tests may include another mammogram, an ultrasound or a biopsy.

What is the purpose of breast screening?

Breast screening aims to  save lives by finding breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The screening programme has reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer by a third.

Cancers that are found earlier are likely to be smaller and  are less likely to have spread, which can mean less treatment and better outcomes.

Mammograms can find about 8 or 9 out of every 10 breast cancers in women who participate in regular screening.

Women of any age should Be Breast Aware, even if you've been attending your screening appointments. It's still important to let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice a lump in your breast or have any other concerns about your breasts.

Not all cancers harm

A screening mammogram can pick up small breast cancers that wouldn’t be found otherwise. Some of these cancers would never grow enough to cause problems or shorten your life. This happens in up to 1 in every 10 cancers found through screening, and it’s called overdiagnosis. As it is not yet possible to tell whether a cancer will go on to cause harm if left untreated, treatment will be offered to everybody. You’ll be able to talk with your specialist about your treatment options.

How do I access breast screening?

You do not have to do anything to join the programme. When you become eligible,  you should receive notification by email, text or letter. If you want to opt out, or if you think you are eligible but have not received an invitation, you can call the freephone number 0800 270 200, or sign up here.

Note that the screening service is available to people who are eligible for  public health services in New Zealand.

Other options for breast checks

If you’re not eligible for the free screening programme, you can still access publicly funded breast checks when there’s a medical reason, for example, if you have symptoms, certain risk factors, or your doctor is concerned.

The Breast Cancer Foundation has information about taking care of your breasts, including  options for women under 45 and others not eligible for the free screening programme.

If you  do not have access to publicly funded healthcare, or you are unsure, learn more here.

Mammograms after breast cancer treatment

After being treated for breast cancer, most people will need to have mammograms at the hospital once a year, as part of their routine follow-up. How long you should have annual mammograms should be discussed with  your treatment team.

Generally, 5 years after the end of treatment, you will have a breast specialist review.  After this review, you may be eligible to return to the 2-yearly, routine screening programme provided by BreastScreen Aotearoa. If you still need yearly mammograms, your GP will provide a referral.

Report changes, aches or pains in your breasts, chest or other parts of your body

As your follow-up becomes less frequent it is important to let your GP know if you notice any new changes in your breasts or chest or have  any unusual aches, pains or other unusual symptoms anywhere else in your body.

Be Breast Aware – know how your breasts normally look and feel, and discuss any changes with your doctor.