You can have a free screening mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Aotearoa if you meet the following requirements:

• you are aged 45 to 69 years of age
• you have no symptoms of breast cancer
• you have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months
• you are not pregnant
• you are eligible for public health services in New Zealand. (If you are not sure if you are eligible to receive free public health services in New Zealand, visit www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility).

Some women joining the programme will already have had a mammogram elsewhere. You will be able to have a free mammogram with BreastScreen Aotearoa if a year has passed since your last mammogram.

If you meet the above requirements but have had breast cancer, you can enter or re-enter the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme five years from when your cancer was found.

Why are women under 45 years old not eligible?

If you are under 45 years old, you may be wondering why the free national programme does not include you. Studies clearly show that when women aged 50 years and over are invited to have mammograms every two years as part of a screening programme, their risk of death from breast cancer is reduced by about a third. For women aged 45 to 49 years, the risk of death from breast cancer is reduced by about a fifth.

Research shows that mammograms are not as good at detecting breast cancers and saving lives in younger women, particularly before menopause. While mammograms can detect cancer in your age group, there are some drawbacks to having mammograms if you are under 45. In this age group, breast tissue may be denser. This makes the mammogram harder to read, and cancer is more likely to be missed. As well as this, women under 45 are more likely to have something show up on their mammogram that needs checking but turns out not to be cancer.

Remember, women of any age who feel or notice anything unusual about their breasts, at any time, should see their doctor.

Can some women under 45 years have free mammograms?

Yes, mammograms are still an important part of checking breast symptoms (for example, a breast lump or change) in women under 45 years of age. Some women under 45 years who are at a greater than average risk of getting breast cancer and do not already have a breast problem or symptom can have free mammograms at a public hospital if they have one (or more) of the following:

• a mother or sister who developed breast cancer before menopause or developed cancer in both breasts
• a previous breast cancer
• a previous biopsy of breast tissue showing an 'at-risk lesion'.

These mammograms will not be part of the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme.  You must be referred by a doctor.

How can I join the programme when I'm 45?

You can ring Freephone 0800 270 200 or you can register on-line. Once you have submitted the on-line form you will be contacted by your local BreastScreen Aotearoa provider who will formally enrol you in the programme and make an appointment for your mammogram. Your doctor or a health promoter may also refer you with your consent.

Why are women 70 and over not eligible?

If you are aged 70 years or over, you cannot have free mammograms with BreastScreen Aotearoa.  There is very little evidence of the benefit of screening women over 70.

What about my risk of developing breast cancer over 70?

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older.  If you are otherwise well, discuss with your doctor whether you should still have mammograms.  There is a charge for screening mammograms for women who are not part of the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme.  Mammograms are available from radiology services.  Talk to your doctor about the cost and how to be referred to a radiology service for a mammogram.

What if I am over 70 and have a family history of breast cancer?

Women who have a family history of breast cancer may have a greater chance of developing the disease.  However, even among women with a family history, most will not develop breast cancer.  Breast cancer that occurs in women with a family history of it usually does so before the age of 70.  For women over 70 with a family history of breast cancer, the risk of developing the disease is only slightly higher than it is for women of the same age who do not have a family history.  You can discuss your risk with your doctor.

Can some women over 70 have free mammograms?

Yes, mammograms are still an important part of checking breast symptoms (for example, a breast lump or change) in women over 70 years of age. Some women over 70 years who are at a greater than average risk of getting breast cancer and do not already have a breast problem or symptom can have free mammograms at a public hospital if they have one (or more) of the following:

• a mother or sister who developed breast cancer before menopause or developed cancer in both breasts
• a previous breast cancer
• a previous biopsy of breast tissue showing an 'at-risk lesion'.

These mammograms will not be part of the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme.  You must be referred by a doctor.