Breast Screening

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BreastScreen Aotearoa is a free national breast screening programme that checks women for early breast cancer. The programme aims to reduce the number of women who die from breast cancer.

Who can have a FREE Screening Mammogram?
You can have a free screening Mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Aotearoa if you meet all the following:
• Are aged 45-69 years
• Have no symptoms of breast cancer
• Have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are eligible for public health services in New Zealand

If you meet the criteria and have ad breast cancer, you can re-enter BreastScreen Aotearoa five years from when your cancer was found.

What are the benefits of regular screening?
Screening does not stop you getting breast cancer but it does reduce your chance of dying from it.
If you are under 50, screening reduces your chance of dying from breast cancer by about 305. For women aged 65 to 69, it is reduced by about 45%.

Your Doctor or Nurse will be able to explain to you the benefits and risks of Breast Screening. Please attend anyone of our medical centers for your free screening.