Source: New Zealand Government
From today, women turning 71 are eligible for free breast screening as BreastScreen Aotearoa’s age extension programme enters its second year, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women, with around 3,700 diagnosed every year. Extending free screening means more of those cancers will be found early, when they’re most treatable,” Mr Brown says.
“Last October we took the first step in a four-year rollout, extending free screening to women aged 70 and 74. From today, women turning 71 are included, with those turning 72 and 73 to follow each October over the next two years.
“Once the extension is fully in place, approximately 120,000 more women will be eligible for free screening.”
Mr Brown says the Government has been building capacity so services can keep pace with demand.
“All four new mobile screening units have now been delivered, bringing the national fleet to 14. Each can screen around 5,000 women a year and brings mammograms to women in provincial centres, small towns, and rural communities, so fewer women need to travel long distances to be screened.
“Alongside the mobile units, five new or redevelopment sites have been established in Whangārei, Takapuna, Greenlane, Kāpiti, and Counties Manukau.”
Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg says the extension is already making a real difference for women.
“Since the rollout began, more than 26,000 women in the new age groups have been screened and 363 breast cancers have been detected. Many of those cancers could otherwise have gone undetected until later, when treatment is often more complex,” Ms Grigg says.
“But screening only works when women take it up. Eligible women are offered a free mammogram every two years, so if you’re turning 71 and are due for your screen, watch for your invitation and book as soon as it arrives. Remind the women in your life to do the same. It’s quick, it’s free, and it saves lives.
“Extending breast screening sits alongside other changes we’re making for women’s health, including free cervical screening for all eligible women from 1 March 2027 and new guidance allowing GPs to diagnose endometriosis without surgery.
“We’re committed to improving health outcomes for women, and that means finding problems earlier, removing barriers to care, and making sure women get the treatment they need sooner.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/free-breast-screening-extends-to-women-aged-71-from-today/