Starting today, the New Zealand government has implemented a major change to its breast cancer screening programme, offering free screenings for women up to age 74. This important step is designed to enhance early detection and better support women’s health.
Hon Dr. Shane Reti announced that this expansion aims to enhance early detection and align with international healthcare standards, particularly in light of the rising breast cancer risk among older women. Those who are eligible will receive free mammograms every two years, significantly improving their chances of early diagnosis and survival.
The rollout of Aotearoa’s extended breast cancer screening programme will continue nationwide over the next year, providing access to approximately 120,000 additional women and potentially saving about 22 lives annually.
The push to raise the breast cancer screening age has been championed by the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ since 2016, emphasising that women’s risk of breast cancer increases at 70 compared to 50.
Research shows that mammograms continue to be life-saving for women in their 70s, with around 350 women in the 70-74 age group diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Aotearoa. Extending screenings to age 74 positions New Zealand alongside Australia, Canada, France, Sweden, and the UK in prioritising women’s health.
Justine Smyth, Chair of the foundation, emphasised that the new age limit “gives women a better chance of surviving breast cancer.” Eligible women are encouraged to sign up for free screenings through BreastScreen Aotearoa via healthcare providers.