Health Minister Simeon Brown says work is now under way to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) into breast screening, with the aim of improving early detection and health outcomes for women.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in New Zealand,” Brown said.
‘We know that early detection significantly improves survival rates and treatment outcomes.”
Around 3,400 women in New Zealand are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. About 270,000 women aged 45 to 69 are screened annually through BreastScreen Aotearoa, with a phased extension of the eligible age range to 74 now underway.
“AI has real potential to strengthen our breast screening programme, supporting earlier detection, helping our workforce manage growing demand, and delivering better results for women.”
Simeon Brown said Health New Zealand is taking a careful, evidence-based approach to introducing artificial intelligence into breast screening, ensuring it is properly tested before being used more widely.
“Earlier this year, organisations with expertise in AI image-reading technology were invited to demonstrate how these tools could be safely and effectively integrated into our national programme.”
“Procurement is now underway to select a preferred AI mammogram reading tool for testing and validation, ahead of a planned rollout from early 2027.”
Brown also emphasised that AI will support, not replace, skilled clinicians, with all diagnoses and follow-up decisions continuing to involve qualified health professionals.
International studies indicate that AI-assisted mammogram analysis can improve cancer detection rates, this includes identifying cancers that may otherwise be missed or only detected between routine screening rounds.
Brown said Health New Zealand will continue working closely with clinicians, radiologists, and screening providers as the programme progresses through testing and validation, ahead of any potential nationwide rollout.